Russian protesters defy crackdown / Russia’s crackdown

Thousands of Russian anti-government protesters took part in a major rally in Moscow on the 12 June 2012 to demand fresh elections and a new president.

The protest, on a national holiday, came a day after police raided the homes of several prominent activists.

The previous week, President Vladimir Putin had approved legislation increasing fines for those who violated protest laws.

ESO: Background information: Duma imposes protest crackdown / Putin approves harsh fines for protesters http://www.europeansources.info/record/duma-imposes-protest-crackdown-putin-approves-harsh-fines-for-protesters/

BBC News, 12.6.12: Russia protests: Putin opponents march in Moscow http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18405306

Deutsche Welle, 12.6.12: Thousands of Russians protest against President Putin http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16016409,00.html

RIA Novosti, 12.6.12: Opposition Rallies in Moscow As Putin Proposes Dialogue http://en.rian.ru/society/20120612/173983880.html

Spiegel Online International, 12.6.12: Tens of Thousands Defy Putin's Crackdown http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/tens-of-thousands-of-russians-protest-against-putin-in-moscow-a-838481.html

RIA Novosti: Tag: Rallies in Russia after presidential polls http://en.rian.ru/trend/rallies_presidential_election_2012/

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