Russians have rallied in force to protest economic conditions in the country.

Anti-government rallies took place all over the country on Saturday, when Russians took to the streets in a so-called Day of Anger.

Protesting the government's economic policy and making demands for more political freedoms, the demonstrators demanded that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin resign.

Thousands of people rallied in cities such as St. Petersburg, Moscow, Vladivostok and Irkutsk, demanding the dismissal of the Putin government and the return of direct elections for governors.

Many demonstrators in the crowds said they were there because they were upset with the way their meagre funds were being channelled into high gas and electricity charges.

It is believed that some local authorities tried to stop the rallies by telling local media that the demonstrations had been banned.