Special forces and operational officers surrounded a forest area, detaining approximately 100 participants and organizers of an underground counter-culture event, according to a source cited by RIA Novosti. The state news agency claimed the raid was triggered by Ukraine-supporting songs, calls for regime change in Russia, and mass drug use, though publications provided no evidence to back up those assertions.
The Forest Raid and Security Forces Tactics
State media outlets reported that handlers with dogs searched tents, while security personnel discovered posters bearing Ukrainian symbols hanging from tree branches near a makeshift stage. According to Baza and Mash, authorities confiscated filming drones from attendees, noting that operating unmanned aerial devices violates border zone regulations. Photographs published by the outlets showed festival participants lying face down on the ground with their hands behind their heads, some wearing dreadlocks and colorful hair. A video from the scene captured a skull image, which authorities could classify as banned satanic symbolism under recently adopted regulations, though no Ukrainian attributes were visible in the footage. At least one detained person was forced on camera to speak about drug use, and state agencies stated that prosecutors are deciding whether to open a criminal case.
Did you know? The underground event was previously known as NOZ—a Russian abbreviation for “Unhealthy Lifestyle”—and has been held since 2023, according to Baza. Organizers deliberately keep the location secret, sending coordinates to attendees only one day before the gathering begins.
Eyewitness Accounts of Police Violence
Punk bands from St. Petersburg and Karelia were scheduled to perform at the gathering, Mediazona reported. An anonymous musician who spoke to the outlet described the raid, stating he saw a crowd of police officers wearing helmets and body armor rush the site as if arriving for a war. According to the musician, officers struck an acquaintance in the stomach after he stated he did not know the organizers, and used a low-power taser on another man who resisted lying down. Another attendee told Mediazona that law enforcement officers stole money during the tent searches, noting that 2,500 rubles disappeared from a friend’s belongings.
Simach Club Crackdown in Moscow
Simultaneously with the forest operation, law enforcement officers raided the Simach club in Moscow during the night. According to Ostorožno, novosti, security personnel used physical force against several patrons who attempted to question the officers about the raid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did security forces raid the forest gathering?
According to RIA Novosti, the operation was prompted by alleged Ukraine-supporting songs, calls for regime change, and drug use, though state reports provided no proof for these claims.
What is the history of the targeted event?
Baza reports that the gathering was previously known as NOZ and has operated since 2023 using secret coordinates sent to attendees a day prior to avoid authorities.
Were there any other law enforcement actions reported?
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