Garry Kasparov Arrested at Opposition Rally in Russia

World | November 24, 2007, Saturday // 00:00
Garry Kasparov Arrested at Opposition Rally in Russia Clashes erupted when Russian opposition activists tried to break through police lines at a Saturday rally in Moscow. Photo by BBC

Russian opposition leader and former world chess champion Garry Kasparov was seized as police broke up a rally of his coalition in Moscow, BBC reported Saturday.

He and other critics of President Vladimir Putin were arrested as they tried to march to the election commission, which had barred the coalition Other Russia's candidates from next week's election.

About 3,000 protesters attended the rally, carrying banners and calling for the country to be rid of President Putin.

The trouble broke out at the end of the rally when about 100 protestors tried to break through police lines.

In speeches, leaders of the movement bitterly criticised the upcoming parliamentary election, saying there was no choice for voters.

Other Russia brings together a broad coalition of mainstream politicians, leftists and nationalists, all of whom are opposed to the Kremlin.

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.

The Supreme Court has dismissed an opposition complaint against the move.

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