Moscow braces for anti-Putin rallies

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MOSCOW, May 6 (UPI) -- Russian opposition supporters said Monday they went ahead with political rallies despite a deadly accident at a central Moscow square.

Organizers took to the central Bolotnaya Square to call for the release of prisoners jailed since Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration last year. Protest plans were suspended briefly after a 25-year-old worker died during an accident involving stage construction before the rally, Russian news agency RT reports.

At least 5,000 law enforcement officers are on hand to respond to a formal rally Monday evening. Opponents of Putin clashed with police one year ago Monday, the eve of his inauguration.

Putin's election to a third non-consecutive term as president last year was met with widespread opposition. RT reports at least 600 protesters were jailed following 2012 protests.

Putin's administration has come under fire for its crackdown on opposition groups and non-governmental organizations. Several opposition leaders are in jail and a law last year requires NGOs to register as foreign agents if they receive funding from abroad.

Putin defended his position, saying targeting NGOs working in the country was aimed at transparency.