02 Oct 2018 | 06:17 AM UTC
Russia: Anti-pension reform protest in Moscow October 3 /update 2
Communist Party plans anti-pension reform protest outside the Federal Council in Moscow on October 3; heightened security presence expected
Event
The Communist Party of the Russian Federation is planning to hold an anti-pension reform protest in Moscow on Wednesday, October 3. Participants will gather outside of the Federal Council building starting at 09:30 (local time) when the reform bill is scheduled to be reviewed by the upper house. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around the protest site.
Context
Russia’s Parliament adopted the controversial pension reform bill on September 26, which will raise the retirement age from 55 to 60 for women and 60 to 65 for men. The pension reform was announced in June by Prime Minister Dimitri Medvedev and sparked a wave of protests throughout the country. On September 9, protests held nationwide led to the arrests of more than 800 people.
Advice
Individuals in Moscow, and Russia more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
