Russia has sent hundreds of security forces to a town south of Moscow to disperse a rally by local Roma residents angry over a gas supply cutoff.
Some 500 security personnel were deployed in the town of Plekhanovo, in the western region of Tula, on March 17.
The move came a day after hundreds staged a protest over the cutoff of gas to Roma homes. Some protesters pelted rocks at police and burned tires in front of town's main government building.
Authorities have said the cutoff was due to damage to the town's main gas pipeline, which they blame on members of the Roma community.
Roma community leaders have rejected the claims.
