Demonstrators Gather in Moscow to Protest Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Demonstrators gathered in Moscow’s Pushkin Square on July 1 to protest proposed constitutional amendments, including one that would allow President Vladimir Putin to run for additional terms in office and stay in power until 2036, reports said.

This video shows a small group of protesters assembled in the central square of the city, with one demonstrator seen holding a sign at the foot of the statue of Pushkin.

Other amendments being voted on include adding articles promoting a patriotic education, reiterating the ban on same-sex marriage, and adding explicit mention of God to the constitution, according to the BBC. The weeklong election – which critics say has no proper monitoring or independent scrutiny – came to an end on July 1.

Russia’s Central Election Commission said on Twitter that, as of 8 pm Moscow time, turnout across the country was 65 percent, and roughly 72 percent of voters had supported the constitutional amendments. Credit: Mary_Rodina via Storyful