MOSCOW -- Russia's State Duma was scheduled to conduct a second reading of a controversial law to reform the country's Academy of Sciences.
The draft law, which was first discussed by the State Duma in the spring, would combine three of Russia's science academies and take control of property away from the academy.
It has sparked protests by Russian scientists and researchers across the country who accuse the academy's leadership of embezzlement and abuse of power.
Some 1,500 protesters gathered outside the State Duma during the bill's first reading on September 17 to call on lawmakers to reject the draft law, which they say will encourage further corruption.
About 100 protesters gathered in the capital again on September 18 with badges on their chests reading, "Let's Help Science Together!"
The draft law, which was first discussed by the State Duma in the spring, would combine three of Russia's science academies and take control of property away from the academy.
It has sparked protests by Russian scientists and researchers across the country who accuse the academy's leadership of embezzlement and abuse of power.
Some 1,500 protesters gathered outside the State Duma during the bill's first reading on September 17 to call on lawmakers to reject the draft law, which they say will encourage further corruption.
About 100 protesters gathered in the capital again on September 18 with badges on their chests reading, "Let's Help Science Together!"