ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Rallies across Russia denouncing the government's economic policy and demanding more freedom are seen as reflecting increasing disillusionment.
Thousands of people participated in the rallies yesterday and many demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (POO'-tihn).
Putin moved into the prime minister's seat in 2008 after eight years as president, but retains much of his power. The opposition has accused him of rolling back many of the democratic achievements of the 1990s.
The rallies were dubbed the "Day of Wrath" by the opposition,
Police did not intervene in a rally in St. Petersburg, but they barred protesters chanting anti-Putin slogans from holding a rally in downtown Moscow.
Opposition activists have insisted the Russian constitution guarantees the right of assembly.
%@AP Links
Sound:
<<CUT …047 (03/21/10)>> 00:10 "''
This is the sound of protesters chanting and scuffling with police
This is the sound of protesters chanting and scuffling with police at an anti-government rally in central Moscow Square.
<<CUT …046 (03/21/10)>> 00:09 "''
This is sound of protesters
This is sound of protesters scuffling with police at an anti-government rally in central Moscow Square.
