Unprecedented anti-Putin protest in central Moscow

Hundreds of Russian opposition supporters have staged an indefinite sit-in protest against Vladimir Putin’s rule for a week in central Moscow, a sight unprecedented in his 12 years of dominance.

The activists set up camp in the Chistye Prudy district, one of the most prestigious areas in the capital two days after police cracked down on a mass protest against Mr Putin’s inauguration as president on May 7.

While Moscow has seen repeated opposition protests against Putin since December’s disputed parliamentary elections, never before has the opposition spent nights out in the street and refused to budge.

And despite the strong-arm tactics used on May 6, police have so far tolerantly watched over the sit-in, with the relatively few officers present showing little sign of moving in to disperse the action.

Each evening, the numbers present swell as activists take part in activities such as lectures and play readings. Some then leave but others spend the night in the open, taking care not to disturb residents of the district.

There are strictly no placards with political slogans, no megaphones but small groups of people who talk away animatedly. Mini-conferences are organised on “How to resist dictatorship” and “What are the police for?”

There is some degree of sophistication – leaders have walkie-talkies while a generator has been installed so activists can ensure power for their smartphones and computers which they see as key weapons in the battle.

The focus of the camp is a statue at Chistye Prudy of the 19th century Kazakh poet and philosopher Abay Kunanbayuli, a monument that until now has gone almost unnoticed by most Muscovites.

In a nod to the “Occupy Wall Street” movement in the United States, the action has become known as “Occupy Abay”.

“We will resist as long as we are not chased away,” said Sergei Kozkovsky, 29. “And if we are chased away will go somewhere else,” added Maxim Katz, 27.

Camp rules are pinned up to a tree: no alcoholic drinks, courteous relations with the police and respect for the environment.

The most committed come with a sleeping bag and mattress to spend the night.