36 detained in Moscow anti-government protest

Eduard Limonov, one of Russia's most prominent opposition figures, was among those arrested at Triumfalnaya Square in central Moscow, city police spokesman Sergei Gulyayev said.

Demonstrators unfurled an anti-government banner and also chanted "Russia without Putin," referring to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The attempted demonstration was the latest in a series of actions that Russian opposition figures call at the end of every month with 31 days. The number corresponds with Article 31 of the Russian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.

However, Russian authorities often deny permission for demonstrations and harshly break up any unsanctioned gatherings. City authorities allowed another rally in central Moscow today, which attracted about 300 people.

At that rally, veteran human rights campaigner Lev Ponomaev exhorted the crowd, saying "we call on all of civil society to stop the abuses of the ruling party." There were no detentions reported at the authorised demonstration.