MOSCOW, February 9 (RIA Novosti) – Some 500 Buddhists from around the world launched a 2-hour meditation marathon in Russia’s Far East Sunday to protest against the construction of a skyscraper.
The group calls to preserve the unique character of Orlinaya Sopka Hill in Vladivostok city, where authorities plan to construct a 24-floor residential building near a Diamond Way Buddhist center located on the hill.
Buddhists from Mexico, South America and Australia are among the protesters, a spokesman for the center said.
In November, Buddhists from 18 countries meditated for 12 hours in defense of the hill which offers a marvelous panoramic view of the city, an important business and tourist place in Russia.
The conflict emerged in August when local activists set up the Save Orlinaya Sopka Hill movement in protest of the construction plans. The mayor’s office said the plans have been unanimously backed by experts from the city construction council.
