Thousands of Communist Party supporters have held rallies across Russia. They were protesting against the rising cost of food and utilities. The demonstrations coincided with the annual meeting in Moscow of Communist leaders from Russia and former Soviet
Coming just over over a month before the Presidential election, the event was given added significance. Communist party leader Gennady Zyuganov is one of the candidates running for office. Zyuganov had recently threatened to pull out of the Presidential race. He accuses the government of limiting access to the media and refusing to take part in public debates. However he confirmed his candidacy at the meeting of Communist Party bosses in Moscow.