MOSCOW, July 3 (Itar-Tass) - Opponents to the proposed reform of the Russian Academy of Sciences /RAS/ picketed the building of the State Duma /lower house of the Russian parliament/ on Wednesday. The number of protesters slightly exceeds 100. The organizers said the action symbolizes "RAS funeral" with some of the participants holding wreathes and black ribbons.

The lower house is to discuss the first reading of the RAS reform bill later in the day.