PRESS RELEASE - Brussels, 28 May 2010

Demonstration in front of the Russian Mission to the EU: Establish the Freedom of Assembly and Association!

The Greens/EFA in the European Parliament represented by German MEP Werner Schulz together with Amnesty International organise a demonstration in front of the Russian Embassy in Brussels for the freedom of assembly and association.

When: Monday, 31 May 2010, 5 p.m.

Where: In front of the Mission of the Russia Federation to the European Union, 31-33, Boulevard du Regent, 1000, Brussels (Metro Art-Loi)

Background:

During demonstrations and pickets organized by the Human Rights organizations in the Russian Federation, repeated cases of assaults are being reported. Authorities prevent the demonstrations by using tricks, and demonstrators are beaten and arrested regularly. These actions on the part of the government are obvious violations of the national and international commitments that the Russian Federation voluntarily agreed to respect.

Article 31 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation guarantees the Right to Assembly. The Human Rights Organizations in Russia decided therefore to organize public campaigns on the 31st of each month in order to help establish this right and to turn this guarantee on paper to an existing reality in practice.

There is no democracy without the Right of Assembly! The Suppression and assault of protestors must be stopped! In order to support our colleagues and our friends we want you to participate in the demonstration "Establish the Freedom of Assembly and Association!"

Press Service of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament.

For further information: the Greens/Efa Group