BBC NEWS

Kasparov arrested at Moscow rally


Mr Kasparov was arrested amid a "colossal" police presence


Police have arrested Russian opposition leader Garry Kasparov at a
banned anti-Kremlin rally in central Moscow. He was detained during a
huge security operation to prevent opponents of President Putin
gathering at Pushkin Square.

The former chess champion leads the United Civil Front group, part of
the opposition coalition Other Russia.

It accuses President Putin's regime of trampling on democracy. The
Kremlin says Other Russia destabilises Russia.

Mr Kasparov was seen inside a police van waving and smiling at
gathered media after his arrest, the Associated Press said.

IIf you look at this as a chess game, I'm not the player, I'm the
piece: a very important piece, maybe one of the most important pieces,
but still one of many

Reports say dozens of other opposition activists were arrested, as
well as some journalists.

The BBC's Moscow correspondent James Rodgers said there was a
"colossal" presence by the Russian security forces to stop the
protesters getting to the starting point of the rally.

He said Mr Kasparov's swift arrest followed warnings by the
prosecution office on the eve of the march, stating that anyone
participating risked being detained.

More than 9,000 police had been drafted into Moscow to prevent the
rally going ahead.

The planned march came as Russia warned it wanted the extradition of
London-based exile Boris Berezovsky.

Mr Berezovsky told the UK's Guardian newspaper he was plotting
"revolution" to overthrow Vladimir Putin.

Accusing Mr Putin of creating an authoritarian regime, the tycoon said
that Russia's leadership could only be removed by force.

Later, he clarified his words, stating that he backed "bloodless
change" and did not support violence.

Other Russia has called for another massive march in St Petersburg on
Sunday, which Moscow has also banned.