MOSCOW, May 21 (UPI) -- Moscow officials are warning activists not to hold an unsanctioned rally in the city.
Authorities said a request to hold a rally, filed by human rights activist Lyudmila Alexeyeva and nationalist Eduard Limonov, was rejected because another event was already scheduled for May 31 in Triumfalnaya Square, RIA Novosti reported Friday.
"If attempts of unsanctioned public events take place, measures will be taken against the organizers and participants in line with the law of the Russian Federation," Moscow authorities said in a statement.
The statement said officials offered to meet with Alexeyeva to discuss other options for the rally, but the activist refused to attend.
"At the last moment Alexeyeva refused to meet with the representatives of the Moscow city government and Eduard Limonov announced her decision (not to attend) in public," the officials said.
Officials said the warning came after media outlets reported the activists were planning to hold the rally despite not being sanctioned.
