IRKUTSK, Russia -- Hundreds of demonstrators from the eastern Russian city of Angarsk gathered today in the regional capital, Irkutsk, to protest the high cost of utilities and taxes, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.
The protesters called for a meeting with Irkutsk Oblast Governor Dmitry Mezentsev, but he refused to meet with them.
Activists of Russia's Communist Party, the Russian women's rights group Russia's Hope, the Committee to Prevent Corruption, and members of the veterans' organization Patriot were among the protesters who picketed the regional administration building for two hours.
On February 7, a few thousand demonstrators gathered in Angarsk demanding a cut in utility fees and taxes for social services.
The activists say they will demonstrate in Irkutsk every day while supporters in Angarsk will be rallying for their demands in that city.
Angarsk, an industrial city of some 260,000 people, is about 40 kilometers from Irkutsk.