[Summary translation prepared by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

A criminal case was opened in Krasnoyarsk Krai over black snow, 27 March 2024

A criminal case on violation of rules for emission of pollutants into the atmosphere was opened in Achinsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, in connection with the black snow that fell in January 2024...

At the beginning of 2024, residents of Achinsk brought a collective complaint in connection with unfavorable environmental situation in the city. It was signed by 4 thousand people. They complained about a layer of brown dust on the snow and unpleasant chemical smell...

The case was opened under Part 1 of Article 251 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of rules for emission of pollutants into the atmosphere)...

At the end of February, the head of Rosprirodnadzor Svetlana Radionova reported on her Telegram channel that violations of environmental legislation, including emissions standards, had been identified at the alumina refinery.