MOSCOW, November 1 (RIA Novosti) - More than 50 people were detained in an unauthorized protest in downtown Moscow on Saturday, according to police, but protestors said the number was higher and police were too tough.

Moscow police spokesman Viktor Biryukov said about 100 people and 100 journalists came to Triumfalnaya Square to attend an unsanctioned human rights protest, adding that they chose the venue despite warnings that the protest would only be allowed at other sites.

"At 18:00 [15:00 GMT] a group numbering up to 100 tried to hold an unsanctioned rally. Police detained over 50 and took them to a police station," he said.

Biryukov said Eduard Limonov, a leader of opposition movement The Other Russia, was also arrested.

Moscow Helsinki Group head Lyudmila Alexeyeva, one of rally organizers, attended the gathering. Police did not detain her.