The leader of mass protests against Russian President Vladimir Putin, that resulted in the arrests of more than 1,500 demonstrators across the country, has been released from detention but faces two charges.

Alexei Navalny said on Twitter he had been released after he was arrested in Moscow's Pushkin Square on Saturday.

He said he faces charges of organising an unauthorised meeting and of resisting police. Each of those charges can carry a jail sentence of 15 days.

OND-Info, an organisation that monitors Russian political arrests, said at least 1,575 people were arrested in demonstrations in 26 cities across Russia protesting against Mr Putin's upcoming inauguration for a new term. It was not clear on Sunday how many remained in custody.

Amnesty International called the arrests and beatings of some Russian protesters "outrageous".

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