Russian Flare-up Over Demands For Freedom …
- August 4th, 2010
- Posted by EUEditor
While the fires burned on in Russia, conflict continued over constraints on human rights; the United States now joining in objections to the handling of protestors wanting freedom of assembly. Â
The White House has declared its concern (3.8.10) over the detention of people in Russian cities on the weekend, after police broke up demonstrations.
“The infringement of Russian citizens’ rights to exercise these freedoms runs counter to our shared commitments to international norms and common interests in fostering modernisation”, the White House National Security Council spokesman, Mike Hammer, said on Tuesday.
An Associated Press reporter saw police intervene as hundreds gathered in Moscow (31.7.10), shouting “Freedom! Freedom!â€.
Almost as soon as the rally got started they dragged off a leading opposition member, Boris Nemtsov, taking him away in a car — also detaining three or four other protestors.
A smaller demonstration in Kiev was broken up as well.
Russia in recent weeks has been plunged into a different crisis, with wild fires burning through seven regions around Moscow; see EUAustralia Online, :Russian Fires: Black Days”, 3.8.10; “Russia fight fires …”, 1.8.10.
Reference
Reuters, Washington, “White House says concerned by Russian arrestsâ€, 3.8.10.
http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50597820100803, (4.8.10).
The White House – President Barack Obama, Washington, media release, “Statement by NSC Spokesman Mike Hammer on the Detention of Article 31 Rally Participants: Detention of Article 31 Rally Participants Raises Human Right Concernsâ€. 3.8.10. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/statement-nsc-spokesman-mike-hammer-detention-article-31-rally-participants, (4.8.10).
Khristina Narizhnaya, “Russian police arrest Kremlin opponent at rallyâ€, AP, NY, 1.8.10.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcvpaE_Arto4ZrnIvvBsHM5GIDYwD9HA5R480, (4.8.10).