Digital 'panic button' for Russian protesters

moscow - Russians who regularly demonstrate against the Kremlin can soon use a special app when they are beaten by the police. They can pass through the red button program where and when they were picked up.

The app was developed by a Russian company, a human rights group and an opposition movement. According to the developer from St Petersburg, the program automatically sends information about the protector's location. As a result, it must become clear which police agency is being held.

'With this information, human rights defenders can help this person in any way, for example by sending a lawyer,' said Alexander Litreev in an interview. About 4000 people have already downloaded the program.

The app's alarm feature will be activated this Saturday. The opposition has called on that day to demonstrate throughout the country against the government.