This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7110910.stm
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
Gerry Kasparov charged over rally | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The Russian authorities have charged opposition leader and former chess champion Garry Kasparov following clashes with police in Moscow. | |
He and other opposition figures were detained during a rally organised by Mr Kasparov's Other Russia coalition. | |
Mr Kasparov was charged with resisting arrest and organising an unauthorised protest. | |
The incident came a week before polls which supporters of President Vladimir Putin are widely expected to win. | |
Other Russia brings together a broad coalition of mainstream politicians, leftists and nationalists, all of whom are opposed to the Kremlin. | Other Russia brings together a broad coalition of mainstream politicians, leftists and nationalists, all of whom are opposed to the Kremlin. |
Movement growing | Movement growing |
About 3,000 protesters attended Saturday's rally, carrying banners and calling for the country to be rid of President Putin. | About 3,000 protesters attended Saturday's rally, carrying banners and calling for the country to be rid of President Putin. |
Mr Kasparov is among the Kremlin's fiercest criticsIn speeches, leaders of the movement bitterly criticised the upcoming parliamentary election, saying there was no choice for voters. | |
The trouble broke out at the end of the rally when about 100 protesters tried to break through police lines. | |
They began to march to the election commission and were stopped by riot police. | They began to march to the election commission and were stopped by riot police. |
The commission has barred Other Russia candidates from the 2 December election. | |
Mr Kasparov was forced to the ground and beaten before being detained, his assistant told AP news agency. | |
He was later charged with organising an illegal protest and resisting arrest. | |
Attending the rally for the first time was the leader of one of the mainstream liberal parties - a sign that the movement is growing, says the BBC's Richard Galpin in Moscow. | |
Mr Putin stands down when Russia elects a new president in March 2008, as the constitution bars him from seeking a third consecutive term. | Mr Putin stands down when Russia elects a new president in March 2008, as the constitution bars him from seeking a third consecutive term. |
He has decided to stand as a parliamentary candidate - which effectively guarantees him a seat in the next parliament. | He has decided to stand as a parliamentary candidate - which effectively guarantees him a seat in the next parliament. |
The Supreme Court has dismissed an opposition complaint against the move. | The Supreme Court has dismissed an opposition complaint against the move. |