The Russian opposition is holding a mass anti-government rally in the country's capital. It is the first so-called “March of Millions” demonstration since mass protests on May 6 were marred by violence and hundreds of arrests.
Organizers say that around 100,000 people have gathered for the mass demonstration. Moscow police have confirmed up to 22,000 people are participating in the rally.
Protesters began the rally on Strastnoy Boulevard at 12pm (08:00 GMT) and marched across the center of Moscow to finish on Sakharova Avenue at 6pm (14:00 GMT).
Opposition leaders then addressed the tens of thousands of protesters who had gathered on Sakharova Avenue.
At Sakharova, the rally’s manifesto was announced. It demanded President Vladimir Putin resign and a new election law be drawn up.
“Snap elections should be held according to the new law. The Parliament should also call a referendum to reshape the Constitution. The revamped Constitution should limit the president’s authority and his term of office,” said Evgenia Chirikova, leader of the Movement to Defend the Khimki Forest.
As the rally got into full swing, key opposition figures Sergey Udalstov and Boris Nemtsov were called for questioning by the Russian Investigative Committee as part of a probe into the violence at the anti-government rally on May 6.
Moscow authorities stepped up security in the city in preparation for the demonstrations, with over 12,000 police deployed. Police also closed some roads in the center of Moscow to allow for the free passage of demonstrators.
Following unrest during May’s protests, the Russian government has introduced harsher punishments for those who violate rally rules. The violence during the last March of Millions demonstration has been largely attributed to the involvement of more radical opposition groups.
The new legislation places significant fines of up to $9,000 on those who attend unsanctioned rallies or cover their faces during protests. The government has said the measures have been put in place to maintain public order, but opposition members have branded the bill as a financial curfew.
Opposition leaders’ homes searched
The homes of key members of the opposition were searched by police on Moscow as part of an ongoing probe into the violence that marred the May 6 protests.
Aleksey Navalny, Ilya Yashin and TV personality Ksenia Sobchak were among those who had their properties searched, according to officials from the Russian Investigative Committee.
All those who had their apartments searched will be required to appear for questioning on Tuesday.
The investigation seeks to discern if any of the opposition figures are guilty of organizing mass unrest. If charged, they could face a potential jail sentence of 10 years.
Authorities reportedly seized documents, political banners, computers and up to 1.5 million euro from the targeted apartments.
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