In what appeared to be a clear indication of the mounting discontent over Vladimir Putin's 12-year reign, tens of thousands of Russians joined a massive wave of protests against the alleged rigging in the Dec 4 parliamentary elections.

According to agency reports, Moscow saw the biggest show of solidarity by protesters. People descended on Sakharov Avenue in thousands braving harsh wintry conditions. The protesters converged on a broad avenue which is just a couple of miles away from Kremlin.

The demonstrators are demanding a re-run of the parliamentary elections and also the prosecution of officials responsible for the alleged election rigging. "We want to back those who are fighting for our rights," Darya Andryukhina, a 16-year-old protester, told the Associated Press.

"We want to back those who are fighting for our rights," Darya Andryukhina, another young protester, told the agency.

Here are some of the visuals of the demonstrations:

Russia protests
Demonstrators wearing masks take part in a protest against recent parliamentary election results in Stavropol. Reuters
Russia protests
Demonstrators hold placards, flags and balloons during a protest against recent parliamentary election results in Moscow. Reuters
Russia protests
Demonstrators gather holding placards and balloons during a protest against recent parliamentary election results in Moscow. Reuters
Russia protests
Demonstrators wearing masks take part in a protest against recent parliamentary election results in the southern Russian city of Stavropol. Reuters
Russia protests
A policeman tries to escape from demonstrators during a protest against election results in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok. Reuters
Elections