Thousands of protesters against Vladimir Putin's victory in the presidential elections rallied on Pushkinskaya Square in downtown Moscow on Monday evening.
Thousands of protesters against Vladimir Putin's victory in the presidential elections rallied on Pushkinskaya Square in downtown Moscow on Monday evening.
The venue was completely crowded some time before the speakers took the floor.
Supporters of the Communist Party attended the rally.
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© RIA Novosti . Vladimir Astapkovitch
The City Hall was reluctant to sanction the grassroots protest rally, denying organizers all three preferred venues last week.
Only after some 5,000 signed up, also on Facebook, to rally in defiance of the ban, did the Moscow authorities and the organizers work out a compromise.
Only after some 5,000 signed up, also on Facebook, to rally in defiance of the ban, did the Moscow authorities and the organizers work out a compromise.
City police officials threatened to crack down on anyone violating rules for public rallies.
The crowd broke into chants “Russia Without Putin” from time to time.
Police said that the turnout at the anti-Putin rally, titled “For Fair Elections” stood at 14,000.
Organizers said at least 20,000 showed up.
Four massive anti-Putin rallies took place in Moscow since the parliamentary elections in December, each gathering tens of thousands. All ended without incidents, even earning them praise from Putin for their peaceful nature.
