Canada Concerned Over Police Response to Protests in Russia

News Release

April 15, 2007
No. 57
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today issued the following statement regarding the
police response toward opposition leaders and other Russian citizens during
demonstrations this weekend.
“We support the right to peaceful protest as an essential component of democratic
freedoms in Russia and around the world,” said Minister MacKay. “We understand that
it is the Russian government’s intention to protect democratic rights and that it has a
responsibility to uphold the rule of law. However, we note our concern at what appears
to have been a heavy-handed police response.”
Minister MacKay said that G8 members, such as Russia and Canada, have a particular
responsibility to demonstrate acceptance of and tolerance for dissent in the run-up to
elections: “As leaders of the democratic world, G8 countries have a particular
responsibility to safeguard democratic values, and this starts at home.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

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Canada Concerned Over Police Response to Protests in Russia

News Release

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