Russian authorities closed Moscow's Red Square today and detained dozens of people trying to hold a silent anti-government protest there, prompting opposition charges that they were denying Russians their right to free assembly.
Several hundred people responded to calls on the internet to gather in Red Square outside the Kremlin wearing white ribbons or clothing as a symbol of protest, but found the iron gates to the sprawling square closed.
Police detained four people heading for the square from a nearby subway station, and later picked people out of the crowd at the gates and pushed them into buses. A police spokesman said about 55 people had been detained near Red Square "for attempting to hold an unsanctioned demonstration."
Opposition leaders say the government violates Russians' constitutional right to free assembly by requiring permission from local authorities for street demonstrations. Police often disperse unsanctioned rallies and detain protesters.
"There are no freedoms, no rights, and Putin is always being shown on all the TV channels," said Inna Bachina (48) who was standing outside the Red Square gates with her daughter. "I do not consider Putin my president."
Opposition activists have held several small demonstrations without official permission since the disputed December election won by Mr Putin's ruling party, while other protests have been held with permission.
Mr Putin, president from 2000-2008 and now prime minister, won a new presidential term on March 4th and will be inaugurated on May 7th. He could seek re-election in six years.
Tens of thousands of people dismayed by that prospect and angered by suspicions of widespread fraud in the parliamentary election turned out for rallies in recent months - the biggest opposition protests of Mr Putin's rule.
He and president Dmitry Medvedev have introduced limited political reforms, including legislation to let more groups register as parties and contest elections, but some foes fear a crackdown on street protests and other opposition activity.
Yesterday, riot police detained about 60 people in Moscow and 15 in St Petersburg, dispersing protesters shouting “Russia without Putin” and “Freedom of Assembly: Always and Everywhere!”
Activists said the authorities would have no reason to detain people simply strolling on Red Square with white ribbons. Ms Bachina said she believed the square was closed because "the authorities are frightened."
Police officers gave various reasons for the closure of the square, one saying it was shut for repair work, while another cited an unspecified event due to be held there. The Federal Guard Service, responsible for security in and around the Kremlin, did not answer phone calls.
Reuters