Moscow riots trial

Russian protests of winter 2011/12 were effectively stopped by the government with a few minor changes in country's political system and a few massive pro-Putin counter rallies. And then came the crackdown.

The opposition held a rally on May 6, a day prior to Vladimir Putin's third inauguration. The rally turned into clashes with the riot police forces after they blocked the crowd's path leaving a road way too narrow for an 80,000 march.

Thousands were detained, hundreds served minor terms for different misdemeanors. More then 30 people were arrested including those who were not even on a site. Two dozens were imprisoned and sentenced to up to 4,5 years. Many fled the country. The protest movement dissolved.

Anna & Alexey Gaskarov look at each other as he is arrested for confronting police on a rally. Gaskarov was sentenced to 3,5 years in jail and is still imprisoned. April 29, 2014

Anna & Alexey Gaskarov look at each other as he is arrested for confronting police on a rally. Gaskarov was sentenced to 3,5 years in jail and is still imprisoned. April 29, 2014

Verdict announcement at the Trial of 12. February 24, 2014

Verdict announcement at the Trial of 12. February 24, 2014

Relatives of those on trial are being blocked from seeing their loved ones in Moscow city court

Relatives of those on trial are being blocked from seeing their loved ones in Moscow city court

Artyom Savelov waves to his father

Artyom Savelov waves to his father

Pavel Kosenko was sent for a mandatory psychiatry treatment, a reminding of Soviet-era campaign against dissidents

Pavel Kosenko was sent for a mandatory psychiatry treatment, a reminding of Soviet-era campaign against dissidents

Stepan Zimin in the courtroom’s cage

Stepan Zimin in the courtroom’s cage

Sergey Krivov after his hunger strike during the trial

Sergey Krivov after his hunger strike during the trial

Alexandra Duhanina's house arrest is being extended. She was given a suspended sentence of 3 years and 3 months. March 5, 2013

Alexandra Duhanina's house arrest is being extended. She was given a suspended sentence of 3 years and 3 months. March 5, 2013

Artyom Savelov. September 2013

Artyom Savelov. September 2013

Konstantin Lebedev reacts at hearings on his arrest extention. He was the only the only defendant to plead guilty and collaborate with the investigators helping them to build a case against other indicted. He was given 2,5 years in prison and was fr…

Konstantin Lebedev reacts at hearings on his arrest extention. He was the only the only defendant to plead guilty and collaborate with the investigators helping them to build a case against other indicted. He was given 2,5 years in prison and was freed 12 months earlier. December 11, 2012