Russia: Protest over proposed pension reform in Moscow September 22 /update 4

Event

Thousands of people protested in Moscow and other Russian cities on Saturday, September 22, denouncing a pension reform bill that has sparked nationwide demonstrations in recent weeks. The Moscow protest, organized by the Communist Party, also called for the resignation of the government. Similar protests are possible in Moscow and other cities in Russia in the coming days before and after the scheduled second reading of the bill on Monday, September 24. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites.

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. The proposed pension reform has sparked protests throughout the country. On September 9, protests held nationwide led to the arrests of more than 800 people.

Advice

Individuals in Moscow and other affected cities 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.