A Nizhny Novgorod activist was detained for protesting against election fraud, but was released without a report being filed.

In Nizhny Novgorod, a major city on the Volga River, police detained activist Yaroslav Polyakov during a solo picket against fraud in the State Duma elections. He was later released from the police station without a report being filed, reports '7×7'.

Polyakov held his picket on 18 October in Gorky Square. He held a sign reading: 'Give elections back to the people! ', with 'Russia will be free, people’s and happy' written at the bottom. During the protest, the activist was detained and taken to the police station.

After his release, Polyakov told '7×7' that the police did not file a report against him, and explained his detention by the fact that he was holding a picket.

Earlier, Polyakov submitted notification to city hall about a rally against election fraud on the same square. The action was planned for 18 October, with up to 500 people potentially taking part. The authorities refused to authorise the rally, citing a governor’s decree that bans mass gatherings.