Russia: Communist Party to protest nationwide September 2 /update 1

Event

The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPFR) is planning to hold rallies across the country on Sunday, September 2, to protest proposed pension reforms. Moscow city officials have allowed the CPFR to gather on Masha Poryvaeva Street, starting at 12:00 (local time). Protesters will then march down Academician Sakharov Avenue. In St. Petersburg, the demonstration will begin at 13:00 in Lenin Square. Additional rallies are expected to be held in other major urban areas. Heighted security measures and traffic disruptions are anticipated around all protest sites.

Context

Opposition groups are also calling for nationwide demonstrations against the pension reforms on September 9. 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.