Russian opposition takes to streets, calls for election boycott

Russian Interior Ministry officers gather outside a building, which houses the office of the Anti-corruption Foundation led by opposition leader Alexei Navalny. [Photo: Courtesy]

Hundreds of supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny began a nationwide day of protests against the authorities on Sunday, calling on voters to boycott what they said was a rigged presidential election on coming March 18.

Hundreds of young people gathered in the main square of the port of Vladivostok in the Russian Far East. Speakers called the election, which polls show incumbent Vladimir Putin should easily win, a sham.