Opposition leaders want to hold protests across Russia

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said today he is seeking permission to march in places that are not hosting the 2018 World Cup, complying with the ban on protests in the 11 cities hosting the world's biggest football tournament. However, Navalny also called for protests "across the country" on July 1, implying that this activity will take place in the capital Moscow and many major cities of Russia.AFPreport

Navalny called for protests against the Russian government's plan to raise the retirement age, announced in mid-June. Accordingly, the retirement age for women will be 63 and 65 for men, compared to the current 55 and 60 years old. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev proposed gradually increasing the retirement age from 2019, aiming to reach the target by 2028 for men and 2034 for women. This is the first time Russia has increased the retirement age in the past 90 years.

Navalvy was released on June 15 after serving a 30-day sentence for calling for illegal rallies ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration. He has faced a series of charges since becoming an opposition leader who campaigned against the government during major protests in 2011 and 2012. The 42-year-old politician has been jailed three times for violating protest regulations.

Immediately after his release, Navalny criticized the organization of the 2018 World Cup, claiming that a significant part of the budget had been embezzled.