Thousands rally in Moscow to send Telegram support

MOSCOW: Thousands rallied Monday in Moscow in support of internet freedom after Russian authorities tried to block access to the popular messaging app Telegram in the latest onslaught against dissent under Vladimir Putin.

In an usually strong turnout, at least 8,000 people including top opposition leader Alexei Navalny turned up in the centre of the Russian capital, many holding placards and shooting paper airplanes, the Telegram symbol, an AFP journalist said. A volunteer movement that counts attendees at opposition rallies said more than 10,000 people turned up. Police said 7,500 attended.