Tens of thousands continue anti-Putin marches

on 16/09/2012 15:47:50

The first major protest against President Vladimir Putin after a summer lull drew tens of thousands of people, determined to show that opposition sentiment remains strong despite Kremlin efforts to muzzle dissent.

The street protests broke out after a December parliamentary election won by Mr Putin's party through what observers said was widespread fraud, and they grew in strength ahead of his effectively unopposed election in March to a third presidential term.

Left-wingers, liberals and nationalists mixed with students, teachers, gay activists and others as they marched down Moscow's tree-lined boulevards chanting "Russia without Putin!" and "We are the power here!"

Many wore the white ribbons that have become the symbol of the protest movement.