Toying with the Russian authorities?

Russian authorities have ruled that a protest by around 100 Kinder Surprise figurines, 100 Lego people, 20 model soldiers, 15 soft toys and 10 toy cars is unlawful. In the latest in a series of absurdly humourous protests, the toys carried banners complaining about corruption and electoral malpractice, on behalf of their human owners.

A spokesman for the Siberian city of Barnaul justified the ruling, saying "As you understand, toys, especially imported toys, are not only not citizens of Russia but they are not even people". However the authorities' over reaction has sparked national and international media stories and inspired many more to add their toys to the protest.

Protestors are considering an alternative - the solitary picket which is allowable under Russian law. "We will stand up one [toy] and the rest will sit on a bench not far away," said one protestor. See more in the Guardian .