50,000: Massive Moscow protest against election fraud
Just two weeks after the Russian capital saw its biggest opposition rally in nearly twenty years, Russians unhappy with the results of the December 4 parliamentary elections have gathered once again.
But this time, it's in even bigger numbers, with the hopes that their collective voice will be heard. Police estimate the current number of demonstrators at about 29,000. They are coming together to protest against vote fraud – and to demand a new ballot.
This time around, the rally is being held on Akademika Sakharova Boulevard, with nearby streets closed off to traffic. Police have refrained from calling in reinforcements from the Defense Ministry, but are maintaining a presence at the rally; metal detectors and barriers have been set in advance.
RT’s crew at the scene say the police on duty are friendly and polite, a fact which has also been stressed by human right activists at the rally.
The protest's organizers have managed to collect around 100,000 US dollars, which they say is more than enough to provide necessities like a stage from which speakers will address the crowds, as well as lighting and sound equipment. Taking into account the time of year, and the current weather conditions, organizers will also spend some of the donations on basic comforts for the protesters – hot drinks, snacks and restrooms.
The Telegraph: Russian protests: live