Protesters call for fair Russian elections

Leaders of several opposition groups staged a demonstration in St. Petersburg, Russia, in support of fair elections next month, witnesses said. Protesters yelled anti-government slogans and carried white balloons and ribbons as they marched Saturday, RIA Novosti reported. Police said 2,500 people participated, while media reported between 10,000 and 15,000 people marched. Before the demonstration, organizers said they thought 25,000 people would attend. Anti-corruption activist and opposition leader Alexei Navalny and chess champion Garry Kasparov were among the protesters, RIA Novosti said. Police said no incidents were reported during the protest. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is expected to win his third term as president in the March 4 election.