MOSCOW, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Three Russian activists have filed a claim with the European Court of Human Rights charging they were denied free assembly, their lawyer said Tuesday.
Attorney Dmitry Agranovsky told the Russian news agency RIA Novosti his clients want the court to fine Moscow $127,000 for violating their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly under the European Convention.
"The court is now deciding whether our claim will be considered on a priority basis," Agranovsky said.
The claim with the European Court of Human Rights was filed by the chairwoman of the Moscow Helsinki human rights group, the leader of the Other Russia opposition party and a member of the Left Front opposition movement.
Moscow authorities regularly turn down requests from Russian opposition groups seeking to hold rallies.
Officials recently announced plans to close Triumfalnaya Square, the opposition's main protest site.
