MOSCOW. Jan 28 (Interfax) - Numerous violations of law were committed during the unsanctioned demonstrations on January 23, which is the reason why law enforcers are taking operative and investigative measures, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"We voiced our concerns before those events happened," Peskov told journalists on Thursday.
"Law enforcement agencies are now doing their job; numerous violations of Russian laws have been committed and law enforcement agencies are at work," he said.
As to whether the Kremlin deemed the operative and investigative measures to be proportionate to the criminal case opened on counts on violations of sanitary and epidemiological requirements at the demonstration, Peskov said, "This is not about what the Kremlin thinks but rather about what law enforcement agencies, which ensure law and order, deem to be necessary."
Journalists asked Peskov whether rallies in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin were planned for the next weekend. "Truth be told, I know nothing about rallies, I do not have such information. Perhaps, some have filed applications in certain cities, or maybe not, I do not know. Applications are not filed with the presidential administration. You should ask city authorities," he said.
"I know that many speak in support of the president and express their readiness to participate in various sorts of events, but I am not aware of those events being organized in any way," Peskov said.
Unsanctioned demonstrations in support of opposition activist Alexei Navalny were held in many cities of Russia on January 23. Hundreds were detained, and law enforcement authorities opened over 20 criminal cases against protesters.