In a characteristically violent act of state repression, riot police in St. Petersburg evicted a disused railway station on Monday.
On hearing that the site is due to be demolished to make way for multi-storey housing, a group of activists and local history enthusiasts transformed a warehouse there into a community centre hosting concerts, poetry evenings and a photography exhibition about the history of the neo- renaissance station.
The group was evicted by private security and police in a stand off that lasted for over 6 hours, resulting in several activists being hospitalised for head injuries.
19 people were arrested, with 3 being charged with violence against police officers, a charge carrying a sentence of up to ten years.
Those awaiting trial urgently need help with legal fees, and a donation line has been set up via email at- russiaukasn@riseup.net
MF