Interfax
March 20, 2002

Moscow, 20 March: There is no organized "skinhead" movement in Moscow, believes Vladimir Pronin, head of the Russian capital's interior department (GUVD).

"I do not know of such a party, nor do I want to recognize it," said he at a press conference on Wednesday.

"Shaven heads alongside scarves are attributes of a fanatic movement that is willingly joined by teenagers today, and the most widespread movement in the city is that of the Spartak soccer club fans," Pronin said, adding that the GUVD has been "in close touch" with the team's management.

Citing results of inquiries into criminal cases on mass brawls in the capital districts of Yasenevo and Tsaritsyno, Pronin said minors had been questioned in the course of these investigations. As a rule, they say they have shaven their heads while following in the footsteps of adult fellow fans, Pronin said.

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