Putin supporters stage massive rally in Moscow
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E-mail Xinhua, February 23, 2012
Supporters of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gathered in downtown Moscow Thursday for a massive rally to show solidarity with the presidential candidate.
Local media reported about 120,000 people were expected to join the pro-Putin demonstration, which started around 11:30 a.m. Moscow time (0730 GMT).
The participants have marched along the Moscow River embankment to the Luzhniki Arena, as some of them are carrying flags and banners with slogans, such as "Who, if not Putin" and "Vote Stability, Vote Putin."
According to local police, as of 1:30 p.m. Moscow time (0930 GMT), some 100,000 people have gathered in the arena and another 30,000 remained outside.
Smiling Putin arrived at the Luzhniki Arena and addressed the crowd with the impassioned words of love to Russia.
"We are ready to work for Russia, to defend it from any outside interference. Our genetic code is victorious, our people are victors," he told the supporters.
"We'll win these elections. We'll defeat injustice and corruption. We will live according to the truth. We must be happy, be together. We urge all to unit for our country," Putin said, and he was answered by massive "Russia!" chanting.
The crowd unfolded a giant Russian flag after Putin finished the three-minute speech.
Local media said hundreds of Putin's supporters from the Ural regions had also arrived here via a chartered train.
The event also drew some fringe political groups, whose members attempted to hand out materials criticizing Putin and give out white ribbons -- a symbol of opposition movements in Russia.
Moscow City Hall said about 10,000 police had been deployed for the rally.
The rally was organized by Putin's election staff and his All-Russia People's Front Movement. Members of Putin's United Russia party also took part in the rally.
Putin is widely expected to beat the other four candidates and win the March 4 election.
The rally coincides with Russia's annual Defenders of the Fatherland public holiday, a militaristic celebration started since the Soviet times.
