12:26, 21 May 2011

Astrakhan hosts actions against fuel price rise

Astrakhan, May 20, 2011. A solo picket against rising petrol prices. Photo by Sergey Kozhanov

Yesterday, on May 20, the central Astrakhan was a venue of a series of solo pickets, organized by the Astrakhan regional branch of "The Other Russia" with the aim to attract public attention to the problem of rising prices on fuel and lubricants.

"Activists stood with banners 'Increase of gasoline prices is a crime!' and 'No to growth in fuel prices!', while passing motorists supported them with car signals. In general, despite a strong concentration of law enforcers, the action took place without incidents," said Sergey Kozhanov, the local coordinator of "The Other Russia".

On May 16, the organizers of the action filed a notification to the Kirov Administration on holding a picket at the corner of the Swan Lake. Throughout the week they were waiting for a reply from the administration, which, as they said, was never received. According to Kozhanov, over the past three years the Astrakhan opposition has been constantly facing problems when negotiating venues for their actions.

Author: Dmitry Florin

Source: CK correspondent