Moscow criticised after protesters arrested

Moscow criticised after protesters arrested

Russia has been rebuked by world leaders after Moscow police arrested 18 GLBT rights protesters and dispersed others who had attempted to hold a peaceful protest after the city repeatedly rejected their applications
for a protest permit.

Police also arrested 16 counter-demonstrators who had attacked protesters.

France’s Foreign Ministry called on Russia to respect its citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression.

“After the violence which broke out on May 28 during Moscow’s gay parade, France reminds Russia of its adherence to the right to the freedom of speech and peaceful assembly,” a ministerial statement said.

The Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland (pictured), also rebuked Russia.

“The right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, belongs to all people without any discrimination, and law enforcement authorities have a duty to protect peaceful demonstrators,” he said.

“The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that gay pride parades should be allowed to take place. I therefore call on all involved parties in Russia to engage in a responsible and constructive dialogue for freedom of assembly and association to be fully respected and public safety protected.”

The US State Department called on Russia to safeguard what it called “fundamental freedoms”.

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