A judge in Moscow has convicted eight anti-government protesters of rioting during a 2012 protest against Vladimir Putin. Sentencing was postponed until Monday, meaning it will be revealed after Sunday's close of the Sochi Winter Olympics. The case is seen as a "show trial" designed to make clear Putin will tolerate no dissent.

Outside the court building, several hundred people, including two freed members of the punk band Pussy Riot, rallied in support of the defendants. Police arrested about 50 people.

The 2012 protest on the eve of Putin's inauguration for a third term turned violent after police blocked access to a square where the protesters had planned to gather. Some demonstrators hurled bottles and stones at police, who struck protesters with clubs. Twenty-nine protesters faced criminal charges, but 11 were released as part of a December amnesty that was widely seen as an attempt by Putin to improve Russia's image before the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.

2014 defendants
Defendants stand inside a holding cell during their hearing at a courthouse in Moscow Reuters
detain
A protester is detained outside the courthouse after eight people were convicted of rioting and assaulting police Reuters
2014 detain legs
Police detain a protester outside a courthouse in Moscow today after eight anti-government protesters were convicted of rioting Reuters
blogger
Anti-corruption blogger Alexey Navalny takes part in a protest outside the courthouse in Moscow today Reuters
2012 march
The "march of the million" opposition protest in Moscow on May 6, 2012 Reuters
2012 arrest ground
Russian riot police detain a protester during the "march of the million" opposition protest in Moscow on May 6, 2012 Reuters
2012 police faces
Riot police clash with protesters during the march of the million protest in Moscow on May 6, 2012 Reuters
2012 baton
A Russian riot police officer raises his baton during scuffles with protesters on May 6, 2012 Reuters
2012 vehcile
A protester is detained during the 2012 protest march in Moscow Reuters
2012 carry
Russian riot police detain a protester during the protest in Moscow on May 6, 2012 Reuters
2012 organisers
Opposition leaders Boris Nemtsov, Sergei Udaltsov and anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny speak together during the "march of the million" opposition protest in 2012 Reuters
Vladimir Putin Moscow