Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Thousands of Russians protested across the country Saturday against a law replacing transportation and medical benefits for pensioners with cash payments.
But they were countered by rival demonstrations organized by pro-Kremlin forces.
The Communist-backed protest calling for the government’s ouster was the most widespread in President Vladimir Putin’s five years in power. It was also the first time that pro-Putin groups took to the streets.
The overhaul, which took effect Jan. 1, replaces cherished benefits like free transportation for pensioners with cash payments that many say are inadequate.
An Interior Ministry spokesman said nearly 240,000 people protested.
