Vladimir Putin has been sworn in as the President of Russia for his fourth term. Popularly compared to an emperor Putin has been leading Russia for a total of 18 years, both as prime minister and president.
However, some voters weren’t pleased with his assumption to power yet again, and many Russians protestors in Moscow and other Russian cities were confronted by riot police.
The BBC reports that over 1,000 arrests have been made across 19 cities in Russia.
Mr Putin was re-elected President with more than 76% of the vote, his best ever election performance, but allegations of rigging were reported by international reporters.
The popular opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was barred from standing against Mr Putin, on grounds of a conviction for embezzlement which he denies.
Putin’s inauguration is said to be more low-key than previous ones, AFP news agency reports.
