Vladimir Putin the Russian opposition and by international observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe for procedural irregularities. Anti-Putin protests took place during and directly after the presidential campaign. The most notorious protest was the Pussy Riot performance on 21 February, and subsequent trial. An estimated 8,000–20,000 protesters gathered in Moscow on 6 May, when eighty people were injured in confrontations with police, and 450 were arrested, with another 120 arrests taking place the following day. A counter-protest of Putin supporters occurred which culminated in a gathering of an estimated 130,000 supporters at the Luzhniki Stadium, Russia's largest stadium.
First inauguration of Vladimir Putin Putin speaks. Vladimir Putin, left St. Andrew's Hall on the accompaniment of the song "Glory" to the music of Mikhail Glinka and Artillery salute. Then, at the Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin, Boris Yeltsin introduced the Kremlin Regiment of Vladimir Putin, passing thus the authority of the Supreme Commander of the new President. At the end of the ceremony, Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin accepted congratulations. Vladimir Putin's speech: First inauguration of Vladimir Putin The First Inauguration of Vladimir Putin as the President of Russia took place on Sunday, May 7, 2000. The ceremony was held for the first