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Investigators to charge first person with organizing illegal rally in Moscow

The man under charges turned himself in to the police

MOSCOW, August 8. /TASS/. The Russian Investigative Committee will charge Moscow resident Sergei Fomin with taking part in the July 27 riots in Moscow. 

Sergei Fomin, who earlier turned himself in to the police, became the first person detained in connection with masterminding mass riots. "Fomin was detained under Article 91 of the Russian Criminal Procedure Code," the Investigative Committee stated.

The investigators have found out that "Fomin had controlled the activities of other participants, being one of the organizers of mass riots."

Earlier, a source in the law enforcement agencies reported that Fomin, who had been placed on a wanted list, came to the police department early on Thursday. According to the source, he refused to give evidence, citing Article 51 of the Russian Constitution, under which a person is allowed not to testify against himself or herself as well as against his or her relatives.

Nine marchers have earlier been arrested under an investigation into mass riots and use of violence against law enforcement personnel. Two people, including Fomin, had been put on a wanted list. During the unauthorized rally, Fomin managed to escape by taking other person’s child in his hands.