The activists condemned Turchak\u2019s plans for scrapping the two-tier system of local self-government<\/a>, which he announced amid growing fears of a possible merger<\/a> of the republic and the neighboring Altai region into a single federal subject.\u00a0<\/p>\n While no arrests were made at the protest site, security forces arrested participants at their homes later in the day, according<\/a> to local media reports.\u00a0<\/p>\n Participants were charged<\/a> with organizing and participating in an unsanctioned public gathering, according<\/a> to\u00a0the local prosecutor\u2019s office. The offense is punishable by up to 15 days of administrative arrest.\u00a0<\/p>\n It remains unclear whether the detainees were released or sentenced to administrative arrest. <\/p>\n Videos shared by local bloggers showed large crowds gathering near a local court building in the village of Onguday, where the court hearing took place.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some sources claimed that as many as 300 people gathered in support of the arrested protesters. The Moscow Times could not independently verify this number.<\/p>\n Passed<\/a> by Russian lawmakers in March, the local government reform has been protested<\/a>\u00a0against by both the public and local elites across several Russian regions, including the\u00a0Krasnoyarsk<\/a> region and the republic of Tatarstan<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Critics warn that eliminating the rural settlement tier across all regions would remove about 99% of all elected positions in Russia and make it increasingly difficult for residents of rural localities to defend their interests within the government system.\u00a0<\/p>\n The potential merger of the republic of Altai and the neighboring Altai region, in turn, would dramatically alter the position of Indigenous Altai peoples, making them a small minority in the new majority Russian region.<\/p>\n A Message from The Moscow Times:<\/strong><\/p>\n Dear readers,<\/p>\n We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”<\/p>\n These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.<\/p>\n We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help<\/a>.<\/p>\n Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.<\/p>\n By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tContinue\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t Not ready to support today? \u00d7<\/p>\n \t\tRemind me next month<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\t\t\tThank you! Your reminder is set.\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\tWe will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"paiment](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/payment_icons.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Remind me later.<\/p>\n