Russia’s cathedral construction put on hold after protests

Some protesters say construction will destroy increasingly rare urban green areas, so they prefer a park instead.

Thousands of protesters in Russia have claimed victory in a campaign to stop a new cathedral from being built.

Russian Orthodox leaders say they need new churches to replace those demolished under Soviet-era laws.

But activists say construction will destroy increasingly rare urban green areas.

Now plans for the building have been put on hold, after President Vladimir Putin intervened.

Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen reports from Yekaterinburg.