Russian police say detained 170 protesters

Moscow, Apr 14: Russian police today detained about 170 people for taking part in illegal protests in the centre of Moscow, a police spokesman said.

''Thanks to the well-coordinated actions of the police, we were able to prevent an illegal gathering ... being held,'' said Viktor Biryukov, the chief spokesman for Moscow police.

''As of 1:30 p.m 1500 hrs ist about 170 people have been held.

These were the most aggressive participants in the unauthorised actions,'' he said.

Biryukov said police expected there could still be localised attempts to stage protests in the city during the day but that these would be stamped out.

Police have not disclosed the identity of any of those held.

An aide to chess champion and opposition activist Garry Kasparov said he was in police detention. A Reuters photographer said he was also being held.

Reuters