In St. Petersburg, the Investigative Committee of Russia has begun verification activities across several city police departments in connection with the detention of social activists that occurred during a dispute with taxi drivers. This development was reported by TASS, citing the department’s press service. The Investigation Directorate of Especially Important Cases within the Main Investigation Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia in St. Petersburg has opened a criminal case under Part 3 of Article 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers exceeding official authority by a group. Investigative measures are currently being carried out in multiple police departments around the city, with authorities seeking to determine the circumstances and accountability involved in the detentions. Source: TASS.
The probe follows an order from the head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, directing a review of police actions in the aftermath of the detentions that took place during the incident with taxi drivers in St. Petersburg. Source: TASS.
Earlier reports described a confrontation on Komendantsky Boulevard that involved migrants amid competition in the taxi sector. Police arrived at the scene and detained activists who were present to understand why a crowd of visitors appeared to be disrupting the operations of local taxi services. Authorities indicated that the events were under scrutiny as part of the broader investigation into police conduct and the handling of public disturbances. Source: TASS.
There has also been ongoing discussion at the national level about the costs and challenges associated with taxi service shortages in Russia, which have influenced the local market dynamics and the availability of rides in major cities. These conditions have contributed to heightened tensions in some urban areas, prompting closer oversight of law enforcement actions during incidents involving transportation providers and the public. Source: TASS.