For two days, demonstrators have gathered in Magas, the administrative center of the Republic of Ingushetia, to protest against a border agreement that trades a contested region to Chechnya. The rally only grew after members of the Ingush parliament claimed that the legislature's endorsement of the land deal was falsified. Demonstrators say they want the parliament's ratification nullified, arguing that the issue should be decided by a republic-wide referendum. The protest movement is also demanding the resignation of long-time Ingush leader Yunus-bek Yevkurov. So far, police have not tried to disperse the crowd, and some law enforcement even joined protesters in Friday prayer.
For more on the border dispute and protests
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS / Scanpix / LETA
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS / Scanpix / LETA
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS / Vida Press
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS / Scanpix / LETA
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS / Vida Press
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS / Vida Press
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS / Vida Press
Vladimir Smirnov / TASS / Vida Press