Russia tariff protest widens into broad discontent

By LIYA KHABAROVA
Liya Khabarova, Associated Press Writers
Dec 21, 2008

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia – Riot police clubbed, kicked and detained dozens in the Pacific port of Vladivostok on Sunday in a harsh crackdown on a protest that was one of dozens across Russia by people outraged over an increase in car import tariffs.

With unemployment spiking, prices rising and the ruble sliding, the protests over a seemingly mundane tariff appear to be broadening into a wide expression of public discontent — and beginning to present a genuine challenge to the Kremlin.

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