Putin birthday protests: Demonstrators arrested as Russians take to streets to oppose leader

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-day-of-protests-latest-vladimir-putin-birthday-present-alexei-navalny-jail-a7987786.html

Russia’s day of protests is underway, with hundreds attending nationwide rallies and dozens of arrests already reported.

The protests are an unwanted birthday present for Vladimir Putin — who celebrates his 65th today — from leading critic Alexei Navalny. Mr Navalny is himself watching at distance from a Moscow detention cell after being jailed together with his campaign chief on Monday.

The protests were originally only planned for Mr Putin’s home town, St Petersburg, but were extended after the sentences. Police told Interfax news agency an estimated 700 people were present at the protest in Moscow.

A heavy police presence was visible in the capital, along with members of the supposedly voluntary druzhina pro-Kremlin brigades.

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Happy Birthday, Pootey.

What did Donnie send you? I hope he didn't forget. He is so fond of you.