Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has attacked opposition rallies as a "provocation" against the government, in an interview with Kommersant newspaper.
Speaking during a 2,000-kilometer trip in a Russian-made Lada Kalina car in the country's Far East, Putin said opposition movements should abide by the law and apply for official permission to stage rallies.
Permission is seldom granted, however, making most opposition rallies "unsanctioned" by the local authorities, who frequently send riot police to deal with protesters. The authorities regularly suggest alternative venues, but these are usually rejected by the opposition.
"All our opponents are standing up for a lawful state. What is a lawful state? It is abiding by the current law," Putin said. "What does the current law say about an [opposition] march? You should receive a permit from local authorities. You got it? Go out and demonstrate. If not - you don't have any right to. If you went out without a right to do so - you get hit on the head. That's it!" he added.
Putin said he was not aware of the opposition's favored site, Triumfalnaya Square in central Moscow, being closed for reconstruction. The authorities plan to build a multi-storey underground car park there, but the opposition claims this is just another maneuver to prevent protests there. RIA Novosti
