Hundreds of Russians protest against Putin in the center of Prague

Prague, Sept 21 (ČTK) - A crowd of several hundred people, mostly young Russian proponents of opposition, demonstrated against Vladimir Putin's regime in Russia this afternoon in Prague's Wenceslas Square.

The protesters held anti-Putin banners and the blue-and-whites flags carried by opponents of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The demonstration was attended by 200-300 people, many waving banners in support of Ukraine, rejecting the war and distancing themselves from Putin and his regime.

Several speakers addressed the crowd in Russian under the statue of Saint Wenceslas.

Demonstrators gathered to take a stand against Putin who declared a partial mobilization of Russian troops in direct response to the West Wednesday. Putin also spoke about nuclear retaliation. Czech leaders widely condemned Putin's speech.

Denis Bilunov, one of the organizers of the protest, told the Czech Press Agency that it was extremely important for likeminded citizens to unite across Europe and protest Putin's action together.

Bilunov said that at the start of the invasion, opponents of Putin's regime and its war founded the Prague Anti-War Committee which joins unites those who oppose the war and helps Ukrainian refugees.

Bilunov said another rally is planned for Prague's Náměstí Míru for Sunday. He said he hoped to see wider support from Russians living in the Czech Republic. There are about 20,000 Russians in Prague, he added.

Public protests against Putin took place in Russia itself today, as well. The Russian police have so far detained over 250 demonstrators.