Russian Opposition Protests Elections

Kremlin parties dominated the poll (ITAR-TASS) March 18, 2007 -- About 1,000 supporters of Russia's liberal and socialist opposition united today to protest in St. Petersburg against recent regional elections.

The demonstrators gathered around a monument to communist leader Vladimir Lenin and shouted slogans attacking President Vladimir Putin.

The elections on March 11 handed the Kremlin's supporters a hefty majority and squeezed out its most outspoken opponents.

The demonstrators in Russia's second city and Putin's hometown dispersed after about 90 minutes. Around 150 police looked over the rally.

(Reuters)