MOSCOW, June 18 - RAPSI. Law enforcement authorities have requested the State Duma to initiate a criminal case against Communist MP Vladimir Bessonov, RIA Novosti reported on Monday.

According to the law enforcement agencies, Bessonov held an unauthorized rally in front of the residence of the presidential envoy to the Southern Federal District in December 2011.

The police demanded that he halt the protest, but Bessonov and the other organizers ignored the request and began to fight with the police.

The Communist Party believes the attempts to prosecute the MP are unfounded.

Party member Vadim Solovyov said there was no any clash at all, while the accusations are the authorities’ response to the Communists’ refusal to acknowledge the parliamentary and presidential elections.