Putin commented on the recent anti-corruption rallies
Moscow. March 30. INTERFAX.RU — Russian President Vladimir Putin against the use of protests by political forces “for self-promotion” on the eve of election campaigns.
“I personally advocate that the fight against corruption was always in the focus of public attention, and always positively perceived attention from the people to these problems,” — said Putin, speaking at the Arctic forum.
“The only thing I think is wrong: if someone, some political forces are trying to use for their own selfish interests this tool is not to improve the situation in the country, and for self-promotion in the political arena on the eve of some political events, including election campaigns in the country”, — said the President of the Russian Federation.
Putin also noted that recently in Russia the problem of corruption has become smaller and people in the country see it.
The detention of protesters
The Russian leader also said that all who violate the law, including during meetings, should be punished in accordance with Russian law.
The President also called politicized the West’s calls to release detainees held unsanctioned rallies in Moscow and other Russian cities.
“Questions and appeals to Russia of this kind (the release of detained during mass rallies — if) we consider a purely politicized with the aim of exerting pressure on the internal political life of the country”, — said Putin.
In addition, the President noted that since the mass protests began the so-called “Arab spring”.
What this has led to some bloody developments in the region caused it, we know very well. We know very well also that it was one of the motives and reasons of the coup in Ukraine.Vladimir Putin
26 March in many cities of Russia held a protest action against corruption, including not coordinated with the authorities. In some cases, they ended with detentions and arrests. In particular, in Moscow, as previously noted by the HRC, according to various estimates, the unauthorized action took part from 10 to 50 thousand people. At the rally, according to official data of police, were arrested about 500 people. A law enforcement source at the same time, reported “Interfax”, that the number of detainees exceeded a thousand people.
Later a number of Russian public figures have issued appeals to check the actions of law enforcement officers for promotions and to release the detainees, Western countries criticized mass arrests of protesters.