Communists mark Revolution Day in St. Petersburg despite ban

Revolution Day in the city on the Neva

Despite a ban, the communists of St. Petersburg, Russia, held a rally on Lenin Square near the Finland Station, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Great October Revolution.

Photo: United Communist Party

The action, in the form of a people’s gathering with laying of flowers at the monument to Lenin, was held at the place and time which organizers requested in their notification to the authorities for permission to hold a rally — on Lenin Square near the Finland Station. However, for the first time in recent years, city authorities refused, citing a “youth festival” on the square until 20.00.

Photo: Russian Communist Workers’ Party

Our action began at 19.00; however, we could find no trace of the “festival,” except for a tent standing alone in a dark corner.

Photo: United Communist Party

The event was attended by about 150 people. Representatives of the United Communist Party, Russian Communist Workers’ Party, and the Other Russia spoke. For sharp expressions against the city authorities, one of the National Bolsheviks was detained. However, the event was not thwarted and ended with the collective singing of “Varshavyanka.”