6 December 2011 Last updated at 18:42

In pictures: Protesters defy rally ban in Moscow

An opposition demonstrator carries flares during protests in central Moscow on 6 December 2011

Hundreds of anti-government demonstrators in Moscow defied a ban on unapproved rallies to take to the streets for a second day.

Riot police keep back protesters in central Moscow on 6 December 2011

Security was high, with hundreds of troops and riot police deployed in the centre of the Russian capital.

Activist detained during protests in central Moscow on 6 December 2011

The protesters accuse Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's United Russia party of rigging Sunday's parliamentary election - which it won despite a sharp drop in its support

Police surround Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov during protests in central Moscow on 6 December 2011

There were at least 250 arrests, including veteran liberal politician Boris Nemtsov, pictured here.

Tuesday's arrests come on top of the 300 arrests made on Monday, when several thousand people turned out to protest.

Anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny attending court in Moscow on 6 December 2011

Anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny has been jailed for 15 days after his arrest on Monday. Both he and Solidarity party leader Ilya Yashin - who received the same sentence - were convicted of obstructing the course of justice.

Pro-Kremlin youths demonstrate in Moscow on 6 December 2011

The opposition rallies have been countered by the presence of hundreds of pro-Putin youth activists, bussed in from across the country. They banged drums in support of the prime minister.

Europe

In pictures: Protesters defy rally ban in Moscow

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