Russian police troops patrol near a closed Red Square in Moscow amid protests against alleged election fraud (AP)
12 April 2012
Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has instructed the government to investigate allegations of electoral fraud during the nation's recent parliamentary vote.
Tens of thousands rallied in Moscow and other cities on Saturday in the largest anti-government protest in Russia's post-Soviet history to protest against the reported fraud and demand the departure of prime minister Vladimir Putin.
Mr Medvedev broke two days of silence on Sunday by posting a comment on Facebook, saying that he disagrees with the rally's demands and slogans. But he added he has instructed the government to check all reports of alleged vote-rigging.
Neither Mr Medvedev nor Mr Putin has made any public appearances on the weekend.
