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Opposition activist Baronova indicted over rally disorders

Eighteen people are defendants in the Bolotnaya Square case

MOSCOW, November 16 (Itar-Tass) — Criminal charges were officially brought against opposition activist Maria Baronova on Friday over the Bolotnaya Square mass disorders case.

Baronova is charged with calls for active disobedience to lawful orders of representatives of authorities and for mass disorders (Part Three, Article 212 of the Russian Criminal Code), a source at the Russian Investigation Committee told Itar-Tass.

The investigators have video recordings clearly showing the activist calling for violence against representatives of authorities. It is also confirmed by testimony of witnesses, the source said.

Baronova and her attorney will begin to study the materials.

Eighteen people are defendants in the Bolotnaya Square case. The investigation is continuing. Another female suspect is on a wanted list.

Earlier, Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky district court sentenced Maxim Luzyanin, the first defendant, to four years and six months in prison.

On May 6, the permitted opposition rally developed into clashes with police and mass disorders. Demonstrators attempted to break through the police cordon. Some threw bottles, flares, offered resistance when detained and attempted to pull protective helmets from policemen. More than 400 people were detained. About 30 policemen were hurt. Dozens of people were injured.

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