Russians Protest Hike In Utility, Public-Transport Fees

IZHEVSK, Russia -- Some 2,000 people in the western Russian city of Izhevsk have protested an increase in housing-utility fees and the elimination of free public transportation for senior citizens.

The Izhevsk city council is going to introduce the changes in the near future.

The protest action was organized by two local NGOs, the Social Council of Pensioners and the Coordination Council for Civil Activities. Social Council activist Galina Dorosheva told RFE/RL's Russian Service that city officials are trying to amend the budget by taking privileges away from pensioners.

Demonstrators say the protest will resume on December 18, when a final decision by the council is expected.