6 December 2011 Last updated at 00:43

In pictures: Russia poll protests

Protesters in Moscow. Photo: 5 December 2011

Thousands of protesters have staged a street rally in Moscow, accusing Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party of rigging last weekend's parliamentary elections.

Protesters hold banners reading "Give the country choice back!" and "These elections are farce!" in Moscow. Photo: 5 December 2011

Organisers say about 7,000 people took part in the demonstration - in what was one of the biggest opposition rallies in recent years. Police say some 2,000 people joined the protest.

Russian police detain a participant during an opposition protest in Moscow. Photo: 5 December 2011

About 300 protesters were later arrested by riot police as they tried to march towards the Central Electoral Commission in central Moscow. They were taken away in police buses.

Alexei Navalny speaks during the protest rally in Moscow. Photo: 5 December 2011

Among those detained was Alexei Navalny, a popular anti-corruption blogger who reportedly first began referring to Mr Putin's United Russia as "the party of crooks and thieves".

Police arrest a protester in St Petersburg. Photo: 5 December 2011

About 100 opposition protesters were also held in Russia's second-largest city, St Petersburg, after staging an unauthorised rally in the city centre.

Activists of pro-Kremlin youth groups Molodaya Gvardiya (Young Guard) and Nashi (Ours) hold a rally in Moscow. Photo: 5 December 2011

Meanwhile, youth groups loyal to the United Russia Party held their own rally in Moscow, celebrating the electoral success. United Russia won the election with just under 50% of the vote, down from 64% in 2007.

Vladimir Putin chairs a government meeting in Moscow. Photo: 5 December 2011

The government of Mr Putin - who is widely expected to return to the presidency next March - denies claims by international monitors that the poll was flawed.

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In pictures: Russia poll protests

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