The Irkutsk city administration initially approved a rally in support of Telegram and “for a free internet” but later revoked the permit due to “significant public attention” to the event. The demonstration, organized by local Yabloko party leader Grigory Gribenko and activist Pavel Kharitonenko, was set for March 1 with up to 300 participants. Organizers requested a central location, but authorities offered the alternative site of Kony Island in the city center, which was agreed on February 24. 

On February 27, Gribenko received a letter from Alexandra Egorova, head of the public initiatives department, stating that media and social network monitoring revealed heightened interest, potentially drawing more attendees and posing a threat to public safety. As a result, the administration deemed the rally impossible to hold.

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