Moscow - At least three counter-demonstrators were arrested during opposition rallies Saturday, the Interfax agency reported.

Opposition groups which are not represented in the national parliament, the Duma, staged demonstrations for political and social reforms held under the motto "day of rage," with some 400 people participating in a rally in Moscow and around 150 in St. Petersburg.

In Moscow, counter-demonstrators chanted protest slogans and threw smoke bombs to try to disrupt the rally there. Three were arrested on charges of rowdyism, police said.

Participants in the rallies included civil rights activists and representatives of trade unions and student organizations.

In contrast to previous demonstrations, Saturday's rallies were given official permission. Opposition groups have long protested what they charge are repressive actions by the state. (dpa)