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FBL-WC-RUSSIA-2018-SECURITY-RESTRICTIONS
World Cup restrictions weigh heavy on ordinary Russians
MOSCOW, June 8, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Keen to prevent a repeat of ugly scenes
from previous tournaments, authorities in Russia have imposed draconian
measures during the World Cup, cracking down on everything from alcohol to
kebabs.
Here are some of the new restrictions that affect Russians as well as
international fans during the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 15.
– Sale of alcohol –
On matchdays and the day before, the sale of alcoholic drinks and all
drinks in glass bottles will be banned in fan zones, around stadiums and in
other busy locations such as parks and railway stations in host cities.
The authorities also intend to revive the Soviet institution of drunk
tanks, run by the police, where drunk fans will be taken to sober up.
– Registering with police –
Both foreigners and Russians who travel to one of the World Cup host
cities will have to register with police within 3 days of arrival, displaying
proof of identity and showing they have accommodation.
Previously, Russians were only supposed to register with police if they
stayed in another city for more than 90 days. In any case, these rules had
rarely been implemented in recent years.
Foreigners who travel to several of the 11 host cities and stay in each
for more than 3 days will have to register multiple times.
While hotels will organise registration, this is more complex for those
renting private flats with the owner expected to register them. Some
journalists covering the World Cup have already had problems after failing to
register in time on arrival.
– Crackdown on protests –
A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin drastically curtails the rights
of Russians to hold protests during the World Cup.
Public events unconnected to sport can only be held in certain places and
at times approved by the authorities. For example in the city of
Yekaterinburg in the Urals, demonstrations must not involve more than 100
people and can only be held between 2 and 4 pm.
Music festivals planned for this summer in Russia have also had to move
their dates to after the World Cup.
– Sightseeing – While prices for hotel rooms and rented flats have soared,
the authorities have also decided to squeeze out organised tours, which are
particularly popular with Russians.
Coaches of sightseers will be banned from entering host cities and
pleasure boats will not be allowed to sail on their rivers.
The authorities have identified 41 locations over which all of types of
flights will be banned during the World Cup, while the use of drones is
banned in an 100-kilometre radius around the host cities. A special army
squadron will be deployed to set up electronic jamming around stadiums.
In Moscow, known for its snarled traffic, as well as in other big cities,
some streets in the centre and near stadiums will be closed, risking further
jams.
The mayor of Kaliningrad, one of the host cities, has even urged residents
to leave the city and have a relaxing break in the countryside during the
matches.
– Barbecue ban –
Already hit by sanctions banning European meat and other foods, Russians
will now find it harder to fire up barbecues to grill their beloved kebabs
(known as shashlik).
Due to forest fires that have spread over large areas this summer,
particularly in Siberia, the authorities have ordered tougher restrictions on
lighting fires outdoors during the World Cup.
The rules to be implemented by the host cities call for bans on campfires,
setting fire to grass and cooking meat al fresco in areas that lack special
facilities.
BSS/AFP/RY/1735 hrs