Thousands of Protesters Turn Out in Moscow

Tens of thousands of protesters turned out in Moscow and in other cities to demand new elections and reforms over the weekend.
Thousands of Protesters Turn Out in Moscow
12/25/2011
Updated:
12/27/2011

Tens of thousands of protesters turned out in Moscow and in other cities to demand new elections and reforms over the weekend.

Police told state-run RIA Novosti that the number of protesters in the designated area numbered around 29,000, but there was a much larger crowd behind them on the streets.

A spokesperson for President Dmitry Medvedev said that protesters’ demands would be met, saying that reforms would be enacted, including less restrictions on political parties, according to state media.

But protesters who turned out in Moscow wanted more action, with many saying they want new elections after Prime Minister Vladimir Putin won a slim majority in the Dec. 4 vote. 

Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister, said, “Let’s keep Putin out of the Kremlin!” The crowd later chanted: “Russia without Putin! Russia without Putin!”

More pressure mounted on Putin after former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev—who resigned 20 years ago on Christmas Day—also suggested that the current premier stand down.

“I'd advise Vladimir to step down now. It has been enough. Three terms, two as president and one as prime minister is enough, because otherwise circles and clans form close to the powerful leaders,” Gorbachev said, according to Euro News