Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland wants Russia to provide more information on a new street protest law, amid fears of its impact on the right to peaceful demonstration.
Jagland is also concerned by reports that Russian police have searched the homes of activists alleged to be involved in a demonstration planned for Moscow.
The Secretary General said: “The Council of Europe is following closely how the right to freedom of assembly is currently being exercised in the Russian Federation. The Russian Federation is a member of the Council of Europe and has signed the European Convention of Human Rights.
“Last week I wrote to Foreign Minister Lavrov requesting the authorities to provide the Council of Europe with more detailed information regarding the background and provisions of the new law on demonstrations. Our experts are analysing the legislation and assessing its compliance with the Convention.
“I appeal to all parties in Russia to protect and respect the right to peaceful demonstration.”
