Foreign currency mortgage holders protested in front of Russia's Central Bank headquarters in central Moscow, RSN radio website reported Monday.
Approximately 150 protesters attended the demonstration, holding red balloons and singing chants, RSN reported.
The protesters blocked Neglinnaya Ulitsa shortly before they were dispersed by the police, the Dozhd television channel reported. Police detained four protesters — including the demonstration coordinator, Dozhd reported.
One of the detained protesters fainted and was taken to the hospital, RSN reported.
Hundreds of borrowers have protested in recent weeks demanding debt relief as the Russian currency reached record lows against the dollar, raising the cost of repayment.
Thousands of Russians took advantage of lower interest rates on dollar- and euro-denominated home loans, but have seen repayment costs spiral as the ruble halved in value over the past 18 months.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
