Hundreds Arrested in Nationwide Protests in Moscow

An estimated 600 people have been detained in central Moscow during an unsanctioned rally, with opposition figure Aleksey Navalny among them. Similar rallies, some unsanctioned and others permitted by local authorities, took place across Russia. 
Some 8,000 demonstrators took part in the protest, law enforcement officials were cited as saying by Russian media. As the rally continued, police used loudspeakers to call on the protesters to disperse, Russia Today newswire reported. 
Moscow police have officially confirmed the detentions of 500 people. Later, the head of the Moscow government’s Regional Security Department, Vladimir Chernikov, told RIA news agency that "more than 600 [people] were arrested," adding that the exact number is "yet to be determined". 
Navalny was detained shortly after showing up for the event in the center of the Russian capital. He was charged with violating an administrative code regulating public gatherings and is facing a fine, community service, or administrative detention, the official TASS reported, citing police. 
Protesters came despite failing to receive permission from the mayor’s office to hold a rally at the site of their choosing. The authorities suggested two alternative locations for the event, but the organizers rejected them. Moscow police warned Saturday that participating in the unsanctioned rally could pose a risk to personal safety and advised people against doing so. 
According to police, one officer suffered a head injury during the protests. He was hit in the head by one of the rally’s participants, authorities said, adding that the officer was hospitalized with a brain injury. 
Police released most of those detained shortly afterward. The usual procedure for such cases of detention is to identify the individuals for potential administrative action and then release them. 
The nationwide protests broke out after corruption allegation against Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. 
Alexei Navalny called for the protests after he published reports claiming that Medvedev controlled mansions, yachts and vineyards, a fortune that far outstripped his official salary. 
Medvedev's spokeswoman called the allegations "propagandistic attacks". 

Source: QNA