Czech foreign minister condemns police violence in Russia

Czech Foreign Minister Tomáš Petříček has condemned police violence against a peaceful demonstration in support of the jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Russia.

By suppressing the opposition and freedom of speech, Russia is violating its international commitments, Mr. Petříček tweeted, saying he would bring up the matter at the next EU meeting of foreign ministers.

He said the Czech Republic would support sanctions against specific persons in Russia over the incident.

More than 5,000 people are reported to have been arrested during the crack-down, including Navalny’s wife Yulia.