Thousands Of Russians Protest Against Electoral Fraud

Thousands of Russians have on Saturday occupied the streets of Central Moscow to demand free elections to the capital’s city legislature on Sept. 8.

The protesters had defied a ban which has been enforced with violent detentions during previous protests.

Analysts say the weeks of demonstration over electoral fraud have turned out to be the most sustained protest movement in Russia since 2011 – 2013.

Protesters were heard chanting “Russia will be free!” and “This is our city!”, with more than 2,000 protesters marching through one of Moscow’s thoroughfares.

The demonstrators are demanding that opposition candidates are allowed to stand in the election after they were prevented from being put on the ballot. Protesters are now also calling for the immediate release of activists detained over earlier rallies and protests.