Anti-Putin protesters march in Russia

Tens of thousands of protesters march in Russia, calling for an end to President Vladimir Putin's rule.

Various opposition groups gathered in Moscow for the rally, dubbed the "March of Millions".

Opposition leaders were hoping to attract enough people to maintain the momentum of a nine-month-old movement.

SOUNDBITE: RUSSIAN OPPOSITION LEADER BORIS NEMTSOV, SAYING (Russian):

"If we do not demand Putin's resignation, if we do not demand new presidential elections, we will not be able to change anything in the country."

Protesters also marched in Putin's hometown of St Petersburg and small demos were reported elsewhere in the country.

Putin began another six years in government earlier this year, which protesters said is a set back for democracy.

In Moscow, opposition leader Sergei Udaltsov was detained by police along with others who defied orders to end the protest by 10 p.m. (1800 GMT).

The movement began in December over allegations of election fraud.

Putin has dismissed the protesters as a minority who do not have nation-wide support.