EU Presidency statement on the dispersal of demonstrations in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod

The EU Presidency followed with concern events in Moscow and St. Petersburg at the weekend, as well as in Nizhny Novgorod and St. Petersburg during the last few weeks. The treatment meted out to demonstrators by the Russian security forces raises questions about the proportionality of these actions. The arrest of accredited journalists and the attacks on them on the fringes of the demonstrations also give cause for concern.

As a member of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe, the Russian Federation has undertaken to respect freedom of speech and of assembly. Observance of these principles is of particular importance in view of the forthcoming elections in Russia.

Human rights, including freedom of speech and of assembly, are addressed regularly within the context of consultations between the European Union and the Russian Federation.