Thousands of protesters have reportedly been detained across Russia. They are calling for the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Reuters reported that around 40,000 people came out on Saturday in Moscow. The authorities said the rally had not been authorized.
A human rights group says at least 3,200 people were taken in at more than 110 locations.
Observers say it was the largest number of people detained in demonstrations in the country in recent years.
A survey showed that 40 percent of the protesters were taking part in a demonstration for the first time. Many of them were in their 20s and 30s.
Navalny was arrested last Sunday after returning from Germany where he'd received medical treatment. He is believed to have been poisoned last August with a nerve agent used in chemical weapons.
Reuters reported that around 40,000 people came out on Saturday in Moscow. The authorities said the rally had not been authorized.
A human rights group says at least 3,200 people were taken in at more than 110 locations.
Observers say it was the largest number of people detained in demonstrations in the country in recent years.
A survey showed that 40 percent of the protesters were taking part in a demonstration for the first time. Many of them were in their 20s and 30s.
Navalny was arrested last Sunday after returning from Germany where he'd received medical treatment. He is believed to have been poisoned last August with a nerve agent used in chemical weapons.
◆detain 拘束する、拘留する、留置する When people such as the police detain someone, they keep them in a place under their control.
◆rally 集会 A rally is a large public meeting that is held in order to show support for something such as a political party.
◆observer 評論家、観測筋 An observer is someone who studies current events and situations, especially in order to comment on them and predict what will happen next.
◆nerve agent 神経剤、神経ガス A nerve agent is a chemical weapon that affects people's nervous systems.