The State Duma called for an "understanding" attitude towards the youth in Kitai-Gorod, "and not to inflate the tragedy". Assaults, especially those involving teenagers, must be carried out "strictly according to the law," Roja Khamaris, first deputy chairwoman of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, told Podgeum publication.
Earlier, the media wrote that over a hundred (according to some sources, even about three hundred) young people, including minors, were arrested in the center of the capital during an inspection; Parents of teenagers complained that they were not allowed to enter the department to see their children. Chimaris stated that she has not received any inquiries, but if the parents of the detainees need help preparing an appeal and the like, the deputy is ready to provide it.
"Any action with minors must be in accordance with the law - from parental approval to the absence of pressure, but even though the versions are contradictory, it is premature to draw conclusions based on rumors. We were all young and we remember very well that in youth you can make mistakes or do stupid things, especially when you gather in a large group in the city center. Treated with understanding and attention, and not to inflate an ordinary story into a tragedy on a national scale."
The police, for their part, stated that the preventive attack was intended to "maintain order and suppress crimes", including those related to drinking alcohol in public places. After that, in Pokrovka they closed the "Pak" - a flower bed, which became a gathering place for the young and informal.