McCain condemns Russian arrests of human rights advocates
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today made the following statement regarding the violent crackdown on, and detention of, Russian democracy and human rights advocates, including former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov:
“This weekend, brave Russian champions of democracy and human rights took to the streets in cities across the country to exercise their freedom of public assembly under the Russian constitution. Sadly, these Russian patriots were met with a coordinated campaign of brutality and oppression from Russian authorities. Initial reports suggest that many of these peaceful demonstrators were beaten bloody and dragged away by the police.
“The freedom of speech and peaceful association are fundamental human rights, owed to all people everywhere. The exercise of these basic rights should not be a crime in any country. It is tragic that the criminalization of political discourse, and the enforcement of it through violence, continues today in modern Russia. The brutal crackdown this weekend makes clear that there has been no ‘reset’ of how the Russian government treats its own most loyal champions of human rights.
“One Russian citizen who was unjustly arrested this weekend is Boris Nemtsov. His peaceful and unwavering support for a freer, more just, and more democratic Russia is inspiring to many of his fellow citizens – and to everyone who believes that fidelity to these principles is the surest path to strength and success for all countries, including Russia. I call for the immediate release of Mr. Nemtsov and all who have been unfairly arrested in common cause with him. In addition, I call on the Obama Administration to work for the freedom of these peaceful political prisoners – and to make it clear to the Russian government that continued violations of human rights will only harm our bilateral relationship.”
Statement by Senator John McCain
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