Russian riot police dominate in Opposition rally

Russia's fragmented opposition marshalled its thin ranks against President Vladimir Putin yesterday, but a modest turnout at a Moscow rally - dwarfed by the police presence - only underscored his grip on power.

Around 2,500 protesters, their numbers flattered by scores of journalists, were boxed into Triumfalnaya square by several ranks of police with orders not to let them march along the traditional route towards the Kremlin.

"It's just laughable. So many dogs, so many police, all the streets closed off, helicopters flying around. For me, it's paranoia," said former presidential candidate Irina Khakamada.

Among the crowd, the party flags reflected the half-a-dozen factions whose leaders called for a unified opposition to the candidate whom Putin is expected to anoint as his successor.

Putin cannot run in 2008, having served two consecutive terms. But analysts say his undiminished appeal - with 81 per cent support in November's monthly survey by the Levada polling agency - means whoever he backs is a shoo-in to win election in March 2008.

Mikhail Kasyanov, Putin's former prime minister who has become a liberal opposition leader, told the crowd that he wanted better education, housing and healthcare.

"We've got 15 months until the change of government," he told the crowd. "If this government continues with their policies the country will fall apart. We must unite. If we unite and there are free elections we will win, 100 per cent."