Russia: Hundreds arrested in pension-reform protests September 9 /update 2

Event

Police arrested at least 291 protesters across 19 Russian towns and cities, including in Moscow, on Sunday, September 9, as demonstrators protested planned increases to the nationwide pension age. Yekaterinburg witnessed the greatest number of arrests (58) of any protest city, according to a rights monitoring group. Police reportedly beat some of the protesters, many of whom are supporters of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Related protests are possible across Russia in the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites. Clashes between security forces and protesters, as well as associated arrests of demonstrators, cannot be ruled out.

Context

Russian government officials have proposed raising the pension age from 55 to 63 for women and from 60 to 65 for men to help offset the economic effects of an aging population and a smaller workforce.

Advice

Individuals in Russia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.