Kasparov in high spirits after release

Moscow, Nov 30 (UNI) Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov was yesterday released by Russian authorities after serving a five-day sentence for resisting arrest and taking part in an unsanctioned procession.

Kasparov, the leader of the United Civil Front and the Other Russia opposition coalition appeared visibly triumphant after the release and said, ''The police reaction to our peaceful march shows that the stability, the authorities are so proud of doesn't really exist.'' Although adequate treatment was provided to him by the guards during his sentence, he said, ''All the constitutional rights a detainee is guaranteed were broken, starting from the first second, when they refused to let my lawyer in.'' ''If it wasn't clear who runs this country before, it certainly is now.'' The Federal Security Service had penetrated all law enforcement agencies and were taking direct orders from the Kremlin, Moscow Times quoted him as saying.

Riot police with batons broke up the opposition rally on Saturday and arrested the leader and his bodyguards. After his conviction, he referred to the legal proceedings as ''a farce''.

His arrest and the police actions evoked a wave of international criticism, most notably from US President George W Bush and the European Union.

Before his arrest on Saturday, Mr Kasparov launched a vicious verbal attack against President Vladimir Putin, whom he labeled a ''dictator.'' He had planned to sue the city police for illegal arrest and the denial of his rights while under detention.

UNI