Battle to save Khimki forest turns violent
Published 29 July, 2010, 21:02
Edited 10 August, 2010, 16:51
Some 100 people wearing masks attacked the local town hall calling for logging in the Khimki forest to stop.
The protesters also threw petrol bombs and sprayed graffiti, chanting “Get your hands off our forest”, “Stop logging”, and “Build your motorway elsewhere”.
The attack lasted only about five minutes – so the police were unable to catch any of the protestors.
Khimki forest is located to the north of Moscow, not far from Sheremetyevo airport.
Builders there are clearing woodland for a new road that will ease congestion on Leningradskoe motorway – the main link to the airport.
Ecologists and local residents say the logging is illegal and will severely damage the local environment.
The activists, however, deny that the protest was related to their movement.
The latest media reports say the prosecutor's office has ordered a suspension of the logging work in Khimki.
discuss it Show comments (3)
