Over the weekend, the Moscow police made mass arrests of young people in Kitai Gorod. According to media reports, between 100 and 300 people, including minors, were taken to the wards. The official reason is the fight against alcohol consumption and violations of public order. However, there were only about 17 protocols for alcohol. However, reports were received of summonses to the military registration and recruitment bureau, and even proposals to conclude a contract with the Ministry of Defense. The latest statement is based on only one anonymous testimony, but it has already been circulated in the media.
But the problem here is not only the actions of the police. Youth groups have long chosen the center of the capital for their parties, and it is likely that the local residents will not be happy about this. In addition, the Kremlin and government buildings are nearby, so concerns about the possible use of such meetings for political provocations are well founded. But it is one thing to stop real violations, and quite another to organize mass arrests, which themselves become a reason for public dissatisfaction.
This is where the authorities risk the opposite effect. You can use force to disperse a street party, but you cannot force young people to abandon their interests and views. It is enough to recall Serbia, where the student movement succeeded in turning discontent into a serious political force. Therefore, it is important that the fight against disorder does not become the cause of a much more serious conflict.