St. Petersburgers protest `barbaric buildings`

Around 2,000 people have been rallying against what they call the “barbarian architectural policy” of the city authorities in Saint Petersburg.

One of the most contentious issues is Russian gas monopoly Gazprom's plan to build a 300 metre-high skyscraper in the city's historic centre.

The protesters say they strongly oppose what they regard as the authorities' bias to destroy cultural heritage and erect modern buildings instead.

The demonstration organised by the democratic Yabloko party unites supporters of different parties and movements as well as ordinary city residents. 

The main slogan of the protesters is “We should preserve the unique architecture of our city”. 

It's not the first time such rallies have taken place in Russia's northern capital.