Pro-Kremlin demo rallies fewer supporters
More than 25,000 supporters of President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gathered just outside the Kremlin on Monday in response to the biggest opposition demonstration in Moscow.
Members of the country's pro-Kremlin youth movements chanted pro-government slogans and brandished banners including "We PUT IN our Votes!", "We have voted! We have won!"
The event was organized by Putin's ruling United Russia party in support of Putin-Medvedev tandem.
The party denied the rally was in response to Saturday's protest, saying it was to celebrate Russia's Constitution Day.
The pro-Kremlin demo comes two days after the biggest anti-government rally when tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Bolotnaya Square to condemn alleged vote-rigging in favor of Putin's ruling United Russia party in the December 4 parliamentary election and demand a re-run. Smaller rallies were also held in St. Petersburg and dozens of other cities.
Opposition leaders said anti-government protests will continue on December 24.
