Moscow arrests Navalny funeral attendees using facial recognition

Russian security forces used facial recognition to arrest protestors at the funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, according to a local human rights group. OVID-Info reported that at least five people were detained at Navalny's funeral, including a woman captured on video saying 'Glory to the heroes,' the traditional response to the salute 'Glory to Ukraine.' The woman was charged with 'displaying a banned symbol' and handed a small fine, but was allowed to return home the next day. Other people were detained for unclear reasons. The crackdown extended beyond the funeral itself, with at least 19 cases reported of people who attended Navalny's funeral subsequently being arrested after being identified through facial recognition. OVD-Info spokesman Dmitry Anisimov told Russian independent news outlet Agenstvo that the Russian government had installed new surveillance cameras around the church and cemetary, and that Russian police were able to identify and trace individuals from the funeral 'right up to their door.' The incident raised concerns about the use of AI-powered surveillance to deter and punish human and civil rights activism by limiting the freedom of speech and assembly in Russia. System 🤖 Unknown Operator: Moscow City Police Developer: Country: Russ ia Sector: Govt - police; Govt - security Purpose: Identify protestors Technology: Facial recognition Issue: Human/civil rights; Privacy; Transparency

Date it happened

2024-03-01

Organisation involved

Moscow City Police

This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.