Russian Opposition Activist Forcibly Placed In Psychiatric Clinic

A Russian opposition activist has been forcibly admitted to a psychiatric clinic in the southwestern city of Voronezh.

Dmitry Vorobyevsky's friends said police and medical personnel forcibly moved the activist to a psychiatric clinic from his home on May 6.

A local rights defender and lawyer, Olga Gnezdilova, said on May 9 that Vorobyevsky had to be released 48 hours after his admission.

But she said due to the public holiday marking Victory Day the court hearing into the legality of Vorobyevsky’s forced hospitalization will be held on May 10. (https://www.facebook.com/gnezdilova.org/posts/10201337717320328)

Vorobyevsky is well-known for taking part in anti-Kremlin protests.

In the former U.S.S.R., Soviet authorities often forcibly placed individuals in psychiatric clinics to crack down on dissent.