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DemocracyAlertsFrom time to time, the World Movement for Democracy issues alerts concerning participants and other colleagues who are, or may be, facing personal danger due to their work on behalf of democracy and for whom a vigorous response from around the world may be critical. To see previous alerts go to www.wmd.org/democracyalerts/democracyAlerts.html. Government Agents Raid Offices of Russian Political Organization, United Civil Front Dec. 13, 2006 On December 12, about 20 Russian Government agents, both police and FSB (the successor to the KGB), raided the offices of the political organization United Civil Front headed by Garry Kasparov. The officers had an order to search the premises because the office is suspected of "extremist activity." The agents seized books and material promoting the "March of the Unwilling" - a demonstration planned for December 16 against President Vladimir Putin's government. According to Kasparov, the officers demanded that those present turn off their computers and mobile phones while they searched the offices for 2 1/2 hours. The officers made copies of all the documents they found of interest, including the passports of staffers. Kasparov views the search as an example of how the Russian government is using the new law on extremism against dissidents. United Civil Front lawyer, Yuri Schmidt claims that the search was illegal, and Kasparov is expected to take the matter to court. Kasparov and his colleagues are still committed to holding the "March of the Unwilling" on December 16. Moscow City Hall has denied permission to various NGOs to hold an actual march, claiming a march would infringe on non-participants' right to use the streets. However, participants have been granted permission to hold a stationary demonstration. Thousands are expected to attend to protest Russia's democratic backsliding.
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