Monday
Mar052012
Russia Feature: Putin Wins Election, But Will There Be Protests? (Heritage)
Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:42Vladimir Putin cries with joy at his post-election rally
Vladimir Putin faces new protests on Monday to challenge his victory in a presidential election he said had prevented Russia from falling into the hands of enemies trying to usurp power.
Putin's opponents, complaining of widespread fraud in Sunday's election, said they did not recognize the results and would rally near the Kremlin at 7 p.m. (1500 GMT).
But the former KGB spy, who after four years as prime minister will be returning to the post he held from 2000 until 2008, said with tears rolling down his cheeks that he had won a "clean" victory.