Russia: Protests continue in Ingushetia on October 6 /update 1

Event

Protests continued for the third consecutive day in front of the parliamentary building in the Ingush capital of Magas on Saturday, October 6, to denounce a controversial land swap deal between Chechnya and Ingushetia. According to local officials, hundreds of police officers have been deployed to the area. Nevertheless, demonstrations are likely to continue in the coming days. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of any gatherings. 

Context

Protests initially broke out after a border deal was approved by the heads of Ingushetia and Chechnya on September 26. Demonstrators in Ingushetia believe the agreement to be in favor of Chechnya at the expense of their own region. Allegations of a rigged parliamentary vote on October 4 have further fueled the protests.

Chechnya and Ingushetia were part of the Chechen-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic during the Soviet Union era. Territorial tensions erupted as the regions split in 1992.

Advice

Individuals in Ingushetia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.