Washington: The US on Friday expressed dismay
on the reports that the Russian Government has prevented its
citizens from their exercising their right of peaceful
assembly.
"The United States expresses dismay at reports that
authorities in Moscow prevented Russian citizens from
exercising their right to assemble peacefully," the National
Security Council Spokesman, Mike Hammer, said in a statement.
"In particular, the United States notes with concern
the detention of protesters, including prominent human rights
defender Lyudmila Alekseyeva, and reports of their
mistreatment by authorities while in custody," Hammer said.
"Freedom of speech and assembly are universal rights
that all governments should recognise and defend. The United
States stands with those dedicated to promoting these human
rights," the statement said.
PTI
