Photo by Alexey Komarov

The conflict between the residents of the village and Moscow authorities has been ongoing since 2006.

Moscow authorities say pieces of land had been given to the people only for planting vegetable gardens and they had no right to build anything on the land. However, in violation of this provision, houses and non-residential buildings were constructed.

Moreover, in 1998 the land on which Rechnik is located became part of a protected conservation territory, where legislation forbids any permanent buildings.

Judicial authorities named 37 structures in Rechnik and Moscow’s bailiffs ordered demolition of several of them on January 21-22.

Demolition works started despite massive protests from the residents.

In response, local residents barricaded themselves in their homes to prevent them from being destroyed. At the moment, these residents are unable to go to work or take their children to school.

Russia’s State Duma has made an inquiry to the Prosecutor General’s Office and will be checking the legitimacy of the authorities’ actions.