Russian opposition leader Lyubov Sobol, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, was among the 600 protesters detained in Moscow as thousands took to the streets demanding fair elections. The protests, sparked by the exclusion of opposition candidates from local elections, saw riot police in action, using batons and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. As the demonstrations turned violent, authorities claimed protesters were "provoking" police, while human rights groups condemned the "disproportionate" use of force.