Around 100 Detained at Music Festival Near Vyborg Over Pro-Ukraine Songs and Regime Change Calls
Russian authorities raid informal music festival near Finland border, detaining about 100 for pro-Ukraine songs and alleged drug use.
Russian law enforcement carried out a large-scale raid on an informal music festival taking place in a forest near Vyborg, close to the Finnish border. Approximately 100 people were detained during the operation, which was prompted by the participants' performances of songs supporting Ukraine and calls for regime change in Russia.
Details of the Raid and Festival Context
The operation, involving police and special forces, occurred on the evening of Saturday, August 22. State media, alongside local outlets, reported that the festival was described by police sources as "left-radical." The forest area hosting the event was completely cordoned off by security forces.
Authorities cited several reasons for the raid, including the singing of songs supporting Ukraine, calls for changing the Russian political regime, and widespread drug use among attendees. Homemade stages were reportedly decorated with posters bearing Ukrainian symbols. Drones used by participants for filming were confiscated.
"The festival's location is kept secret by organizers until about a day before the event, who share it only with a select group of participants."
Organizers have been holding the festival since 2023, with the venue traditionally kept confidential until shortly before the event to avoid detection. The festival is believed to have been previously known unofficially as "Unhealthy Lifestyle" ("Нездоровый образ жизни").
Video footage from the scene shows predominantly young attendees being forced to lie face down with their hands behind their heads. Some were coerced on camera into admitting drug consumption.
Authorities are reportedly considering launching criminal proceedings related to the incident.
