The fact that more than one thousand peaceful demonstrators were arrested at yesterday’s protests, which opposition politician Alexei Navalny had called for, gives us cause to doubt whether such actions were proportionate.

This major crackdown by the Russian authorities threatens the freedom of assembly and the freedom of expression, rights which are guaranteed by the Russian constitution and which Russia has committed to complying with internationally.

We will keep a close eye on further developments in Russia and expect that those who have been arrested will be released again without delay.