MOSCOW — Russian police have dispersed small anti-Kremlin rallies and detained at least three dozen protesters.
Associated Press reporters on Thursday witnessed the detentions in central Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city.
Eduard Limonov, leader of the outlawed National Bolshevik party, was rounded up at Moscow’s Triumphalnaya square.
At both rallies, the demonstrators wore white ribbons — symbols of anti-Kremlin protests — and chanted "Shame!" and "Russia Without Putin!" referring to President Vladimir Putin.
Over the past two years, similar opposition rallies have been held on the 31st day of each month with that number of days — a nod to the 31st Article of the Russian constitution, which guarantees the right of assembly.
Russian authorities often deny permission for demonstrations.
