Free Republic

Excerpt - MOSCOW. May 17 (Interfax) - Former chairman of the Russian Central Bank Viktor Gerashchenko is ready to work with the Other Russia as a possible opposition candidate in the upcoming presidential elections, United Civil Front leader Garri Kasparov told a Moscow press conference in Moscow. "We certainly welcome the readiness of such an important person, who has such a serious biography, to become the opposition candidate in the Russian presidential elections. As far as I understand, he discussed the issue with representatives of various political forces, including me. I was not surprised by his statement," he said. ~...

Police have arrested Russian opposition leader Garry Kasparov at a banned anti-Kremlin rally in central Moscow. He was detained during a huge security operation to prevent opponents of President Putin gathering at Pushkin Square. The former chess champion leads the United Civil Front group, part of the opposition coalition Other Russia. It accuses President Putin's regime of trampling on democracy. The Kremlin says Other Russia destabilises Russia. Mr Kasparov was seen inside a police van waving and smiling at gathered media after his arrest, the Associated Press said. Reports say dozens of other opposition activists were arrested, as well...