­Protest Against All Protests: Angry journos rally on April Fool's Day

Rallies following the Duma and Presidential elections saw tens of thousands brandish banners and pour into the streets. But some are sick and tired of all the hype - so much so, that they've decided to protest against it.

Journalists gathered to protest against protests at the All-Russian Exhibition Center (VVTs) in Moscow.  RT's Irina Galushko, who joined in on the protest, reports that journalists staged a small April Fool's day demo to raise awareness of the hardships they had to endure during the last several politically turbulent months.Political activity peaked among Russians starting from the December 4 parliamentary elections. Allegation of fraud have been voiced by observers and opposition activists, resulting in almost 5 months of opposition rallies in the capital city and across the country. With the government and the opposition routinely accusing each other of every possible earthly sin, journalists are the ones who must always stand on guard, ready to report on whatever Russia's political activity brings around the bend.At the Protest Against All Protests, journalists said that enough is enough. They want to spend weekends with their families instead of incessantly covering demonstrations, which are inevitably followed by arrests, court hearings, and the eventual release of the detained.  About a hundred worn-out journalists attended the demo, flashing banners advising people to work rather than protest. Food was served, music blasted from the speakers and riot police danced away. A perfect day for those who are tired of the oh-so-familiar scene of Moscow's weekend protests.

Protests go on

Protests, and subsequently, arrests have become popular in Moscow. Some rallies take place as often as once a week, like the white ribbon walk scheduled by the opposition every Sunday.This Sunday was no exception, and police have arrested over 50 people who tried to organize an unsanctioned rally in the city center. People carried banners and tried to remove barriers to Red Square, which was temporarily closed by the Federal Protective Service in a bid to avoid another demonstration and more arrests.  The rally “White Square” had hoped to gather some 200 participants. It was organized to protest the weekly arrests of those holding unregistered rallies on Red Square. Anti-government demonstrators often wear white ribbons, the symbol of their movement.