Urlashov's campaign told the daily that police confiscated documents in connection with anonymous allegations that the limit of Urlashov's campaign fund had been exceeded. Officers closed off the campaign office and did not allow workers to leave or move around the premises.
Urlashov is up against United Russia-backed businessman Yavok Yakushev in the second round of the Yaroslavl mayoral election, slated for Sunday. The runoff in the city of 600,000 will be the first major test for the ruling party since its disputed win in the December State Duma elections.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.