Thousands of protesters support the opposition on Putin's birthday

Thousands of people protested in 80 cities across Russia on President Putin's birthday in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Police block protesters supporting Alexei Navalny in Moscow, Russia, October 7. Photo: Reuters.

Alexei Navalny announced that he would run for president of Russia in March 2018 and held rallies in several cities to gain support. He was arrested in late September and sentenced to 20 days in prison for violating the law on holding public meetings.

Navalny's supporters held protests in 80 cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, on October 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin's birthday, demanding Navalny's release, Reuters reported.

Russian police have detained several people but have not charged anyone. At least 262 people have been arrested in 27 cities, according to OVD-Info, a non-profit monitoring organization.

Under Russian law, organizers of demonstrations and marches need permission from local authorities. However, many regional authorities have refused to grant permission and warned people not to participate in the October 7 demonstration.

President Putin's spokesman said violators could be prosecuted, but activists said they would still hold protests.

President Putin enjoys strong support among Russians and is expected to confirm his candidacy for re-election in March 2018, later this year. Opinion polls suggest Putin would easily defeat Navalny if the opposition leader were allowed to run. Navalny says the polls are meaningless.

President Putin spent his 65th birthday working. He made a series of phone calls and chaired a meeting of the Russian Security Council.

According to VNE