Responding to media reports about the arrests of over a thousand protesters in Moscow on 27 July 2019, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Russian authorities to stop using force against peaceful demonstrations and making arbitrary arrests. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are one of the fundamental civil and political liberties. Their protection is an obligation of each democratic state.

Yesterday’s incidents are part of the increasingly frequent violations of citizens’ rights and arrests of prominent opposition and civil society activists, which, considering Russia’s coming local government elections this autumn, makes the international community increasingly concerned about the observance of international electoral standards.

 

28.07.2019

MFA Press Office