Monday, March 5, 2012

Russian Protests Trigger Mass Arrests


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203370604577262601582225924.html

Riot police detained hundreds of protesters and three of their leaders Monday after breaking up rallies that drew tens of thousands of people to contest Vladimir Putin's victory in Russia's presidential election.

The detentions in Moscow and St. Petersburg marked a turning point for a movement that has drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets of large cities over the past three months demanding clean elections and an end to autocratic rule. The movement has gained few concessions from Russia's leaders and, some activists said, appeared to be running out of energy and new ideas.

Protesters in both cities risked a police clampdown by pushing the regime's limits of tolerance, a day after Mr. Putin, who is now prime minister, won a third presidential term in an election that international observers said was predetermined and marred by irregularities.

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