Citing the World Cup, Moscow officials reject three requests for protests against pension reform

2:28 pm, June 21, 2018

Source: Meduza

Moscow City Hall announced on Thursday that it has rejected three permit requests for protests against Russia’s proposed pension reforms: applications for a July 1 rally by the Libertarian Party, a July 3 rally by the political party Yabloko, and a July 4 rally by the “Left Front” movement. City officials say the demonstrations would interfere with FIFA World Cup festivities.

Anti-corruption activist Alexey Navalny plans to stage protests in 20 cities on July 1, but he is intentionally avoiding demonstrations in cities hosting World Cup games, where President Putin has suspended most public assembly rights during the soccer tournament.

For more on Russia's pension controversy

The Kremlin isn’t all that afraid of mass protests against pension reforms — yet. Konstantin Gaaze explains.
Officials vow to raise the retirement age, the Kremlin fears protests, and labor unions are fuming. This is Russia’s pension reform.