 His arrest came “just a few days before the anniversary of the May 6 demonstration,” when “Gaskarov was preparing to lead a left-wing and anti-fascist column at May Day demonstrations.”

He was charged with involvement in the organization of mass riots and in violent activity against the authorities.He was placed in jail, and was given a court date of April 29, 2013.On May 11, 2013, police detained nine people at a bicycle rally held in Moscow to show solidarity with Gaskarov.