US regrets Russia’s arrest of protesters
By DPA, IANSMonday, January 3, 2011
WASHINGTON - The US has criticised Russia for arresting dozens of political protesters and urged Moscow to do more to embrace freedom of expression.
“We regret that these arrests have taken place both in Moscow and St Petersburg,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Monday.
Russian authorities arrested more than 120 people who were calling for political reforms during protests in the two cities Friday, including former prominent officials.
“We reiterate the importance of embracing and protecting universal values, including freedom of expression and assembly,” Crowley said.
“They’re enshrined in the Russian constitution, as well as international agreements that Russia has signed.”
Among those taken into custody was former vice premier Boris Nemtsov, who was subsequently ordered to serve 15 days in prison.
The latest Russian move prompted additional criticism from Washington, even as the two countries are near final ratification of a new nuclear reduction accord seen on the cornerstone for improving relations.
US officials last week sharply criticised sentencing of oil tycoon and Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who now must remain behind bars until 2017. Khodorkovsky’s trial was viewed by the US and European Union as politically motivated.
