Several hundred Solidarity activists hold anti-war rally in Moscow center
MOSCOW. Oct 17 (Interfax) - Up to 300 people took part in an anti-war rally held on Moscow's Suvorovskaya Square on Saturday, rally co-organizer, member of the Solidarity movement federal political council bureau Sergei Davidis told Interfax.
"About 300 people have come here. We did not expect a large turnout from the start because of the lack of substantial information backing," Davidis said.
In turn, a city police representative told Interfax the rally was attended by approximately 150 people. One person was detained for holding an extremist protest sign, he said.
Solidarity movement members, civil activists and public figures criticized Russia's military operation in Syria, an Interfax correspondent reported from the location.
"I think this is not the last rally, and the future events will be much bigger. According to the underlying logic, the consequences of interference in Syria will worsen, and this will draw much attention against the backdrop of the crisis," Davidis said.
Several persons gathered near the protesters to express their disagreement with the rally theme and to chant slogans in favor of the policy of Russian authorities.