This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6111188.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Moscow to thwart 'Russian march' Russian marchers defy Moscow ban
(about 11 hours later)
Moscow police are stepping up security after organisers of a nationalist "Russian march" vowed to defy a ban by Mayor Yuri Luzhkov. Hundreds of ultra-nationalists and far-right demonstrators are rallying in the Russian capital, Moscow, defying a ban on their march by the city's mayor.
The authorities say they will mount extra patrols and deploy 6,500 police officers in the capital for the march set to take place later in the day. However, although organisers predicted a high turn-out, a strong police presence appears to have deterred many.
Mr Luzhkov said last Tuesday that the march would be banned, to prevent any repeat of last year's demonstration. Less than 2,000 are taking part in the "Russian march" while some 6,500 police officers have been deployed.
Hundreds of ultra-nationalists shouted far-right slogans in Moscow a year ago. Although from a range of groups, the marchers have a single message against immigration and immigrant workers.
Several hundred police, some in riot gear, surrounded a central square near a Russian orthodox convent where demonstrators had gathered, but there have been no reports of fighting.
About a dozen protesters were reported to have been arrested during the rally.
New public holidayNew public holiday
Their march dominated a new 4 November public holiday, called The Day of People's Unity. The BBC's Richard Galpin, in Moscow, said the march brought together a broad range of different groups, including moderate nationalists, the religious right and neo-Nazis.
Some marchers carried religious icons, others far-right political flags.
Mayor Yuri Luzhkov banned the rally in a bid to prevent any repeat of last year's demonstration when hundreds of ultra-nationalists shouted far-right slogans in the capital.
That march dominated a new 4 November public holiday, called The Day of People's Unity.
It was created after the parliament scrapped the 7 November public holiday marking the 1917 Bolshevik uprising.It was created after the parliament scrapped the 7 November public holiday marking the 1917 Bolshevik uprising.
The new holiday marks the end of Polish occupation in 1612.The new holiday marks the end of Polish occupation in 1612.
Last year swastikas and Nazi salutes were seen among the crowd, who carried banners proclaiming the supremacy of the Russian nation.Last year swastikas and Nazi salutes were seen among the crowd, who carried banners proclaiming the supremacy of the Russian nation.
Police also warned that ultra-nationalists would be prevented from gathering in the Moscow metro on Saturday, after reports of such plans surfaced.
Several other Russian cities, including St Petersburg, have also announced they will not allow any ultra-nationalist marches on Saturday.Several other Russian cities, including St Petersburg, have also announced they will not allow any ultra-nationalist marches on Saturday.
Dmitry Rogozin, former leader of the Rodina (Motherland) party, said the Moscow march would go ahead as "an act of civil disobedience".
A group called the Movement Against Illegal Immigration has said it will rally in Moscow in defiance of the mayor's ban.