Kasparov arrested at rally
Garry Kasparov arrested at opposition rally in Moscow
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Saturday, 24, Nov 2007 04:11
Russian opposition figurehead Garry Kasparov has been taken into police custody during an anti-Kremlin rally in Moscow.
The former chess grandmaster was seen to be bundled into a police van with his bodyguard as the Other Russia demonstration began.
Supporters chanted "freedom, freedom" as Mr Kasparov was driven off.
Other Russia – a coalition of opposition movements – admitted last week that it had not received permission for the rally.
Russian news agency Itar-Tass reported that 20 people had been detained in total.
More than 3,000 protestors were demonstrating against the central election commission, which last week ruled that Other Russia candidates could not stand in forthcoming parliamentary elections.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has already confirmed he will stand as a deputy for the Duma in next week's elections.
Mr Putin is bound by Russia's constitution to stand down as president before next March's poll after serving two consecutive terms.