MULTIPLE RUSSIAN REGIONS — Authorities in nearly a dozen regions across Russia have refused to authorize protests in recent weeks over internet censorship and the blocking of Telegram. In most cases, authorities succeeded in preventing demonstrations against internet censorship and the blocking of Telegram.

In one Russian city, officials blocked a rally citing a "tree inspection" as the reason. In other locations, officials blamed snow removal problems or existing COVID-19 restrictions for blocking protests, while in one location, administrators argued that the protest's stated reason did not exist.

Regional branches of the Communist Party attempted to organize rallies in several locations. Officials in Altai region denied rally authorization after stating that claims of an internet clampdown were "at odds with reality." Communist Party activists held pickets in Naryan-Mar and Syktyvkar, featuring placards reading "It is not up to officials to decide what we read" and "The internet is not a prison."

Organizers in Perm secured a permit for a March 15 demonstration, but two hours before the event, activists were informed of a "potential emergency situation" at the site that made it unsuitable for a gathering. Some activists still attended despite the reported emergency, and 80-year-old Viktor Gilin was detained and fined after unfurling a banner.

In Novosibirsk, 16 people were detained at the site of a planned pro-Telegram rally after participants found the rally site taped off for a "tree inspection." Roman Malozyomov and other activists, along with journalists and passersby, were detained and released after a few hours.

"Clearly the situation has changed, the laws have become stricter, but the protest hasn't gone anywhere," said Alexander Sustov, a legislator in Primorye region. President Vladimir Putin said, "The use of communications systems that are not ours, not under our control, poses a danger to personnel."

The government has restricted Telegram as part of measures to increase government control over the internet. Disapproval over moves against Russia's second-most popular messaging app persists across the political spectrum.

Since the invasion of Ukraine began four years ago, activists have decided not to risk holding unauthorized rallies due to a crackdown on dissent. Some activists went to court to challenge government refusals to authorize pickets, while other activists scaled back planned gatherings to smaller indoor events. Activists in several regions filed for authorization for rallies scheduled for March 29, though some authorization requests were swiftly rejected.