Anti-Putin protests in Russia's Far East gather steam

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the streets of Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk for a third weekend on Saturday to show their anger over the Kremlin's replacement of a popular regional governor.

The sustained demonstrations represent a growing challenge for President Vladimir Putin, who is viewed as having a role in sparking the regional crisis after he fired Sergei Furgal on Monday, Voice of America reported.

Many called for Putin's resignation. Others chanted "Disgrace" and denounced the acting governor that Putin appointed in Khabarovsk.