Trash protesters outside Moscow turn to bullets and gasoline

Outside Moscow, in the town of Volokolamsk, people have been protesting for months against a local landfill that’s spewing fumes into their air, but this past weekend marked the first time that anybody’s resorted to firearms. On Saturday, a gunshot aimed at a garbage truck smashed through the vehicle’s window and injured the driver in the arm. He was treated for the wound and released from the hospital that same day.

Before dawn on May 14, unknown persons tried to set fire to part of the new, upgraded section of the “Yadrovo” landfill. In mid-April, in response to local demonstrations, the facility stopped receiving trash at its older section. The landfill’s management is reportedly discussing closing down the dump, in light of the recent attacks and blockades by local residents.

In addition to their sustained protest movement, Volokolamsk locals have filed a class action lawsuit against the company that owns the landfill, demanding 5.5 million rubles ($89,000) in damages for pollution. Residents have also filed multiple lawsuits asking courts to close down the trash dump. On May 3, a judge rejected one of these cases.