(BBC News) Thousands of Russian anti-government protesters are taking part in a major rally in Moscow to demand fresh elections and a new president.

The protest, on a national holiday, comes a day after police raided the homes of several prominent activists.

One of them, Sergei Udaltsov, defied an order to report for questioning, and instead addressed the crowd.

Last week, President Vladimir Putin approved legislation increasing fines for those who violate protest laws.