Hundreds protest car tariffs in Russia's far east

There is growing public irritation with authorities because Russia is facing its worst economic crisis in a decade after years of oil-driven boom. Analysts warn that social unrest could escalate.

Police in the port city of Vladivostok quickly moved in to disband Saturday's protest. About 20 participants were briefly detained on charges of taking part in an unsanctioned rally and will face fines.

More similar demonstrations by motorists were planned for Sunday in Vladivostok and other Russian cities to protest the Cabinet's decision to hike car import tariffs.