2012-05-02 10:57:00
Moscow, May 2, Interfax - Police detained opposition activists at the Christ the Savior Cathedral in central Moscow on Sunday after they had a fight with activists of the Union of Church-Banner Bearers.
The men had a heated argument first and then an activist of the Union of Church-Banner Bearers splashed consecrated water in an opposition member's face. The opposition activist was detained after he attempted to punch the attacker.
Orthodox activists surrounded a group of opposition members with white ribbons and warned them they would not allow them into the church, as they suspected they could stage a provocation.
After a heated argument with the opposition, the Orthodox believers started saying a prayer and chanting: "Sodom Won't Pass!"
But before that, the organizer of the opposition action, Roman Dobrokhotov, had been walked to a police van.
The Moscow Police told Interfax that two men were detained at the Christ the Savior Cathedral and moved to a police station.
"Two were detained and moved to a police station to be given a warning after they announced they would hold an unauthorized action near the Christ the Savior Cathedral," a police spokesman said.
Police arrested "about six people, including journalist Mansurov" outside the Christ the Savior Cathedral, a source in the event's organizing committee told Interfax.
Meanwhile, an Interfax correspondent reported from the scene that he saw two demonstrators being arrested.