Kremlin sees no danger in expressing civic stance, warns provocations are dangerous

MOSCOW, June 13. /TASS/. Moscow does not consider that rallies where people express their civic stance are dangerous but warns about dangers coming from provocateurs, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"Holding such events (rallies) within the agreed framework as envisaged by the law does not pose any threat to anyone," Peskov said. "Provocations are dangerous," he stressed.

"This is a normal process when people voice their position," Peskov stressed. Meanwhile, provocations at rallies pose a threat to citizens, he noted. "Yesterday in Moscow when tens of thousands of people celebrated the national holiday, the steps of a group of provocateurs were dangerous for the citizens."

Rallies were held peacefully in a number of Russian cities on Monday, while in others, including in Moscow, there were some provocations, Peskov said.

"Different rallies were held in many Russian cities. They were held in a rather organized way, peacefully and without any problems if this took place in line with the rules, in the allowed places and timeframe. In some cities, including Moscow, provocations occurred as the city authorities had warned. Along with the authorized rally in Sakharov Avenue, which was held absolutely without any problems, there were provocations," Peskov said.

The presidential spokesman noted that in these cases "the law enforcement agencies did their utmost to ensure order."

In comments on the US calls to release "peaceful demonstrators" detained in Moscow, Peskov said the Kremlin disagrees with this and cannot listen to this appeal. "Those who held peaceful events spent great time in a number of Russian cities," he said. "Those who carried out provocations in violation of the law were subject to actions in full compliance with our legislation."