MOSCOW: The Russian Prime Minister has angrily dismissed protests against his regime as ''provocations'' and said anyone who took part in unsanctioned street rallies against the Kremlin should expect a ''whack on the bonce''.

Using characteristic street language, Vladimir Putin derided Russia's opposition as a group of publicity-seeking malcontents and said they had only themselves to blame if they were on the receiving end of police brutality during anti-government meetings.

Vladimir Putin ... you have to have permission.

Mr Putin's scathing remarks in an interview with the newspaper Kommersant were on the eve of anti-government demonstrations that take place at the end of each month. Anti-Putin rallies were also due to take place for the first time outside the Russian consulate in London, and in New York, Helsinki, Berlin and Tel Aviv.

The demonstrators, or 31ers as they are known, are seeking to highlight article 31 of Russia's constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.