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    December 10, 2011

Russians Protest Alleged Voter Fraud

   VOANews
   Opposition activists hold a rally protesting alleged violations during
   the parliamentary elections in Russia's far eastern city of
   Vladivostok, December 10, 2011. The sign reads: "We are against massive
   election fraud."
   Photo: Reuters
   Opposition activists hold a rally protesting alleged violations during
   the parliamentary elections in Russia's far eastern city of
   Vladivostok, December 10, 2011. The sign reads: "We are against massive
   election fraud."

   Russians, angered by parliamentary elections they deem fraudulent,
   began a day of protests across the country Saturday in the biggest
   challenge yet to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the ruling United
   Russia party.
   The first protests Saturday began in the far east of the massive
   country. About 20 protesters were detained in the city of Khabarovsk.
   Moscow authorities gave permission for a rally on a square across the
   river from the Kremlin that brought together some 30,000 people later
   in the day.
   The protests follow an at times violent crackdown on a series of
   demonstrations earlier this week, after the United Russia party was
   declared the winner of parliamentary elections Sunday.
   The party barely held on to control the lower house, but opposition
   parties and observers contend the winning results were probably
   inflated.
   The protests come as Russia prepares to hold presidential elections in
   Match, which Putin, though weakened politically, appears to be set to
   win. They would return him to the country's highest office which, due
   to term limits, he was forced to relinquish five years ago.
   Thursday, Putin lashed out at U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
   because of her critical comments about the parliamentary vote. He
   accused Clinton of instigating protesters in order to weaken Russia.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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