Russian opposition leader detained at rally in Moscow

MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Russian opposition leader Eduard Limonov on Monday was arrested along 20 supporters after a protest rally on Moscow, RIA Novosti reported.

Limonov was detained while participating in an unsanctioned rally at Moscow's Triumfalnaya Square. He and his supporters were arrested as they attempted to hold their own unsanctioned protest near the square, according to Russian police.

For over a year, opposition groups and activists hold rallies at the Triumfalnaya Square the last day of each month which has 31 days. The protests are intended to demand that the government respect the Article 31 of the Russian constitution that guarantees freedom of assembly.

However, the activists have to request permission to Moscow's government or the rallies are labeled as unsanctioned. Limonov, the leader of The Other Russia took participated in the sanctioned rally of the Helsinki Group.

After the rally ended he and his supporters remained near the square and were arrested. Moscow Helsinki Group head Lyudmila Alexeyeva requested a 1,500-strong rally but authorities allowed only 1,000 rights activists.

Moscow police spokesman Viktor Biryukov said that only 500 activists attended Monday's rally and approximately 2,000 police and security force personnel were deployed near Triumfalnaya Square to safeguard the site

An additional unsanctioned rally was also held in Russia's second largest city of St. Petersburg where 60 participants were detained. In December 31, 20010, Limonov was arrested as he was preparing to join an opposition rally at the Triumfalnaya Square.

(BNO NEWS )