Russia's opposition expressed concern on Tuesday that Vladimir Putin may resort to using force to suppress their protests after riot police arrested hundreds of demonstrators who were challenging his victory in the presidential election. Despite three months of peaceful protests against Putin, over 500 people, including opposition leaders, were detained during unsanctioned protests in Moscow and St Petersburg on Monday. This police crackdown indicates that Putin is becoming less tolerant of demands for increased democracy, transparency, and political reforms. Opposition leaders such as Boris Nemtsov and novelist Boris Akunin believe that Putin's fear of losing power and reliance on the police's baton are becoming evident, and they are wary that future protests may also face similar repression. "It is evident that the time for peaceful protests and demonstrations has ended. I believe there is no reason to plan a march on March 10 as it will result in a forceful response from the authorities," he stated. The police stated that their actions were lawful, and Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, supported their intervention. "The opposition's activities included both legal and illegal components. In both instances, the police responded with professionalism and in accordance with the law," he commented. After serving as prime minister for four years, Putin returned to the presidency by winning nearly 64 percent of the votes in Sunday's election. He previously held the presidency from 2000 to 2008. Despite some officers forcefully handling protesters, there was a sense of restraint, indicating Putin's efforts to avoid being seen as a dictator willing to silence opposition. While some protesters suffered injuries, police appeared focused on minimizing casualties during the main protest at Moscow's Pushkin Square, a historic site for dissent. However, tougher tactics were reportedly used against a group attempting to protest at Lubyanka Square, the location of the Federal Security Service's headquarters. Protesters in St Petersburg, Putin's hometown, were forcibly removed, raising concerns among foreign investors about potential clashes between police and protesters. Investors fear that such clashes could harm the investment climate and hinder reforms necessary to reduce Russia's dependence on energy exports. Russian stocks experienced a significant drop in value on Tuesday following warnings from Fitch about the risks associated with confrontation. It seems that Putin is allowing limited protests as a way to release frustration among urban demonstrators after his long rule in Russia. He could also make conciliatory gestures to satisfy the opposition. One example is the Kremlin's decision to review 32 criminal cases, including the imprisonment of former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the denial of registration to a liberal opposition group. However, Putin, a former KGB agent, will take strong measures to prevent what he sees as extreme protestors from challenging his third term as president. Any dissent will be met with force. "We saw fear in the eyes of the dictator." Ilya Yashin, a leader of the opposition, spoke at the rally at Pushkin Square, expressing concerns about Putin's display of weakness and uncertainty, as well as questioning the presence of troops and riot police in the capital. The US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, expressed concern about the arrests and emphasized the importance of freedom of assembly and speech as universal values. However, Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized him for his comments, stating that Russian police had shown more restraint than US officers when dealing with protesters in the US. The United States and several European countries have called for an independent and credible investigation into allegations of voting irregularities in the election. International monitors noted some improvements from a previous parliamentary poll but still found the vote to be unfair and heavily skewed in favor of Putin. Russia's Foreign Ministry responded to the observers' report, acknowledging some criticisms but not specifying them. Many Russians have become disillusioned with the electoral process and Putin's ability to bring about change. "I used to have affection for Putin, similar to any woman who appreciates a charming man. However, now I believe he is becoming senile. No one can remain in power indefinitely," remarked Vasilisa Maslova, 35, who is employed in the fashion industry, at Pushkin Square.