Anti-Putin protests in Moscow turn violent – in pictures

The March of Millions progresses through the streets of downtown Moscow Photograph: Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/AP

A Russian police cordon during the 'March of Millions' protest rally Photograph: Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images

Russian riot police push away a smoke jet thrown by anti-Putin protesters Photograph: Sergey Ponomarev/AP

A participant is restrained by Russian riot police Photograph: Denis Sinyakov/Reuters

Russian riot police use fire extinguishers during the opposition protest in downtown Moscow Photograph: Sergey Ponomarev/AP

Russian riot police disperse opposition protesters Photograph: Sergey Ponomarev/AP

A wounded opposition protester, one of dozens of people hurt during the rally in Moscow Photograph: Mikhail Metzel/AP

Russian riot police detain a protester Photograph: Denis Sinyakov/Reuters

The protest began peacefully as more than 20,000 Russians took to the streets in Moscow but scuffles then broke out Photograph: Denis Sinyakov/Reuters

A women is arrested by a Russian riot police officer, one of about 250 people to be detained Photograph: Tatyana Makeyeva/Reuters

A protester is pinned down by Russian riot police Photograph: Mikhail Voskresensky/Reuters

Protesters shouted 'This is our city' and 'Police, be with the people, not with the freaks' during the demonstration Photograph: Tatyana Makeyeva/Reuters