Russian riot police have arrested dozens of people in Moscow and Saint Petersburg who tried to stage unsanctioned anti-government protests on New Year's Eve.
The show of police force marked the first time the authorities have cracked down on members of the Russian opposition since allowing two massive rallies on December 10 and December 24.
The protest was organised by the "Strategy 31" movement, which since 2009 has staged rallies to mark the right to
peaceful assembly guaranteed in Article 31 of the constitution.
