Russians demand free elections in mass protest

Feb 4, 2012, 11:00 GMT

Moscow - Several thousand demonstrators took to the streets in Russia Saturday demanding free and fair elections, a month before presidential polls are due.

In Moscow, protesters braved temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius to join a demonstration authorized for 50,000 people. The authorities have previously capped such events at 30,000 participants.

The capital was patrolled by 9,000 security personnel. Opposition rallies took place in several other Russian cities, Interfax news agency reported.

The protests were also directed at Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's style of politics. Putin, who was president from 2000-08, hopes to be re-elected to the post in polls scheduled for March 4.

At the Moscow demonstration and a political rally, the opposition demanded that Grigory Yavlinsky, of the Yabloko liberal party, be allowed to contest the election.

The march against Putin drew people of all ages and political affiliations. Many demonstrators carried white balloons and ribbons as a symbol of peaceful political reform in Russia.

Meanwhile, Putin supporters registered a 15,000-strong counter-protest in a Moscow suburb. Late Friday, Putin thanked them for their show of support, adding that - just like them - he was against a revolution.

Media had previously reported that employees of state-owned companies, and groups such as teachers, were told that they risked losing their jobs if they did not participate in the pro-Putin rally.