Updated

Moscow police have detained the leader of an opposition group and about a half-dozen other activists who were trying to hold an unauthorized demonstration in the center of the city.

There were no immediate reports of whether charges would be filed against those detained, including Eduard Limonov, leader of the unregistered political group called The Other Russia.

Limonov is an avant-garde author and longtime political fringe figure. He and his supporters try to hold demonstrations on the 31st day of every appropriate month. The date choice refers to the 31st Article of the Russian Constitution, which guarantees the right of assembly.

Authorities routinely deny permission for the rallies.