Putin says protesters welcome to 'get shaved' in jail

Russian President Vladimir Putin mockingly suggested on Tuesday that participants in unsanctioned protests were welcome to go to prison and "get shaved".

In the latest in a series of interviews with state news agency TASS, Putin said opposition supporters who take part in unapproved rallies should expect to be given jail time.

"If you have not received (permission) and taken to the streets -- you are welcome to get shaved," Putin said, in reference to the practice of prisoners having their heads shaved.

"Get some rest. Relax a little bit," Putin said.

"There are certain rules for everybody to adhere to," Putin told Andrei Vandenko, who is doing a series of interviews with Putin to mark 20 years since he first became president.

"This is the law. And it must be obeyed. Otherwise, the country's stability will break down. Do we want to see cars torched in our streets?"