On Sunday, about 100 opposition activists have been detained in an unauthorized rally at the Ostankino TV center in Moscow, in a protest against a scandalous documentary.

      Several dozen people gathered on March 18 to express their discontent with the “Protests Anatomy” documentary made by state-controlled television channel NTV.  Authors of the film tried to convince viewers that the demonstrators of numerous protest rallies held in Moscow were given money for participating. 

      These provocative statements are supported by some videos made by NTV reporters, where some people with white ribbons (main symbol of opposition movement) are shown when receiving money from unknown organizers. However, later this video was denounced by Internet activists, who cited a blog post whose author said he had seen how it was recorded by NTV reporters near the Sokolniki metro station in northern Moscow in late February.

      The show has raised a wave of people's anger. Russian Internet users has left hundreds of complaints and angry messages on all NTV web services and accounts in social networks. On Friday, NTV's website was attacked by hackers. The channel also received multiple requests to air the film again.

      Opposition leaders and activists condemned the video as “insolent lies and provocation.” Demonstrators who had gathered near Ostankino TV center, chanted "Russia without Putin", holding placards with slogans against current authorities and corrupt television. As the action was unauthorized, so Moscow police detained some of the protesters. Later they all were released. 

      Lawyers are now considering a collective lawsuit against NTV channel. The situation in terms of law looks rather complicated so it will take some time to prepare the lawsuit.  

Sources: Lenta.ru RIA Novosti