After the elections thousands of Russian citizens took to the streets to protest the unfair elections. These demonstrations have been met with brutality and mass arrests of approximately 900 people. PES believes that the need to respect the freedom of expression and assembly of citizens is vital and that the Russian authorities should stop these repressive actions immediately.
PES Interim President Sergei Stanishev stated that “free and fair elections are the backbone of any democracy, as is the freedom of expression. Prime Minister Putin and his United Russia party must demonstrate respect for democracy and all arrested demonstrators should be released.”
