Protests in Russia, 3,000 detained

More than 3,800 protesters have been arrested during protests in Russia, world agencies including AFP report.

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of numerous Russian cities and are protesting. They have one demand, and that is the release of opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

In several cities, including Moscow and Saint Petersburg, clashes have broken out between protesters and police, and hundreds of rioters have been detained.

Human rights NGOs report that the majority of protesters are students and high school students, and that police have arrested more than 3,800 protesters, including at least 82 journalists.

Among those detained is the wife of the opposition figure, Yuliya Navalny. She has since been released after pledging to appear in court.

Her lawyer said Yuliya is accused of violating the law prohibiting the organization of unauthorized protests, rallies, and marches.

Due to strict security measures, protesters have frequently changed protest locations, and they have also gathered in front of the "Matrosskaya Tishina" prison, where Navalny is being held.

Most of the main roads in the central parts of the cities are blocked by police barricades, restaurants and cafes are closed, and the sale of alcoholic beverages has also been banned in many city centers today.

At Navalny's call, protests were also held on January 23, when about 4,000 people were also detained.