Hundreds join protest against Putin

Several hundred people were today demonstrating in a central Moscow square to call for the ejection of prime minister Vladimir Putin.

The protest was being led by several prominent opposition figures, including Boris Nemtsov, who was arrested and jailed for 15 days following a similar demonstration a month ago.

Mr Nemtsov’s arrest drew Western condemnation and mobilised his supporters, who held daily pickets outside the jail where he was being kept.

The demonstrations are held on the last day of every month with 31 days to call attention to the 31st Article of Russia’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.

The city authorised today’s rally, but it also authorised the rally on December 31 during which 68 people were detained.

Hundreds of police have surrounded the square.