Opposition groups said the abrupt closure was a pretext to prevent protests.Authorities have justified crackdowns on previous protests on the square by saying the demonstrators lacked official permission. Former Russian President Vladimir Putin has caused aggravation by suggesting he might run for the top job again About 70 people were detained in Moscow and in St. Petersburg, some 50 people were detained on the main street, Nevsky Prospekt, and 15 more at a protest on the imperial-era capital's Palace Square.The protests, which have been taking place on the 31st of the every month, have become a major focus of government opposition, and the police response is seen as a barometer of the Kremlin's willingness to tolerate dissent.
"He said the changes would make the constitution more democratic and more effective, but the proposals have been widely seen as a way of allowing him to extend his grip on power after leaving the presidency.The changes will be put to a national vote in April. LONDON— -- Russia’s top investigative body says it is looking for a motive in the slaying of prominent opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who joins at least six other critics of Vladimir Putin who have died since his first term as president. Boris Nemtsov and dozens of other protesters were detained after defying authorities by gathering on a central square declared off-limits last week, shouting 'Russia without Putin!' Activists say the constitutional protection of free assembly means prior permission is not required.Detentions and rough treatment at the demonstrations have drawn criticism from the United States and European governments. Nemtsov's Ukrainian partner Anna Duritskayasurvived th… Councils in infection hotspots launch action plans in bid to stop surge in...Train passengers could be infected by coronavirus if they sit within 8ft of someone who is ill on a two-hour...Britain suffers 771 more Covid-19 cases and 74 deaths amid warnings the infection rate could be at 'tipping...Devastated brides-to-be whose dream weddings were ruined by PM's U-turn on relaxing lockdown restrictions...What lockdown? Here's how an army of health professionals is working behind the scenes to help...Night of carnage in 'Wild West' London as FIVE people are gunned down in three separate shootings -...Cancelled at Condé Nast: Entertainment chief is REPLACED after employees uncovered 'sexist and racist'...Don't call obese people chunky: Doctors are urged avoid using non-medical terms when talking to overweight...Australian beauty queen who appeared on Deal or No Deal with Meghan Markle before she was famous reveals...British Airways pilots accept pay cuts of up to 20% and 270 job losses in deal with airline that also...British boy, 13, is fighting for life after suffering 'severe' head injuries when he plunged 26ft from...Police target London's millionaire boy racers: Locals' fury as rich owners rev the engines of their...'It's happening!'