Police said the journalists from the "Kommersant" daily and the REN-TV television channel were detained for several hours today for an identity check.
The journalists were covering preparations for an unsanctioned March of Dissent opposition rally planned for May 18, when Russian and EU officials gather in Samara for a summit.
Police last month quashed March of Dissent rallies in Moscow and St. Petersburg, detaining more than 200 demonstrators.
(with material from Interfax)
Russia's Democratic Development
Demonstrators speak with local politicians in Butovo about the destruction of a local forest in July 2006 (RFE/RL)
IS RUSSIAN DEMOCRACY MANAGING? Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Western powers seek to pressure Russia under the pretext of concern over its democratic development. He has said Russia is ready to listen to "well-intentioned criticism," but will not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs. The Kremlin has been criticized for stifling political oppostion, increasing central control over the media, and cracking down on the work on nongovernmental organizations.
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