The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed concern over reports about innocent passers-by having been held during illegal street protests.
“I am aware of cases where law enforcement agencies detained people who did not participate in a rally but simply happened to be somewhere near the venue of the rally. I think that such moments should be ruled out, of course,” the head of the Department for External Church Relations, Metropolitan Hilarion, said on the Church and the World program on Rossiya-24 television channel.
“Those responsible must be held to account for breaking the law and the innocent should not fall victim to prosecution,” he said.
The cleric welcomed in advance a potential initiative which could regulate this issue at a legislative level.