Wet weather failed to dampen the festive atmosphere that accompanied the "Great White Ring" demonstration, which was held in Moscow on February 26. Organizers say as many as 34,000 supporters of the so-called "white" protest movement lined up to form a human chain along the Russian capital's inner ring road. The event was the latest in a series of protests against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is widely tipped to return as president in an election next week.
Moscow's 'Great White Ring'
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Some protesters held up slogans calling "For Free Elections"
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"Power to the Millions, Not to Millionaires," said one woman's banner (center of picture)
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Although the demonstration was monitored by police, an RFE/RL correspondent said they did little to interfere with the event.
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Some had words emblazoned on their chest calling for change.
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"Give Us Back Our Voice, Churov," says this man's sign, referring to the controversial head of Russia's Central Election Commission, Vladimir Churov.
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An elderly demonstrator wears a sign with pictures of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and jailed ex-tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The former is accompanied by the words "Trial -- Resignation;" the latter reads "Government -- Freedom."
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