He also warned
his European counterparts against using double standards and outdated Cold War
clichés. “Let's seek guidance in a common understanding of human rights, the right of everyone to freedom of opinion. And this applies not only to Russia,
but also to other European countries,” stressed Petr Tolstoy
Petr Olegovich
.
“I want to say that, unlike many states, the legislation is fully implemented in Russia. The representative of the European People’s Party, in particular, stated at her speech that “it is unacceptable for a member of the Council of Europe to use security forces against a peaceful protest.” We completely agree with this! And as [Emmanuel] Macron said from this rostrum, we are also working and will continue to work together with you on a system of ensuring public security in the states of the Council of Europe. Just let’s be honest with ourselves and abandon selective approaches,” said the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma.
“We are not here to do someone’s homework. We are here to present facts that you are not talking about. When Moscow authorities are accused of using force against demonstrators, you turn a blind eye to other incidents that take place in other countries. But as we are talking about Russia, I would like to consider in some detail a few facts. The protests, which were held without authorization and were instigated by external forces, included 20 thousand people. 2,700 of them were actually detained, 2,685 of them were released by the police within three hours. What kind of repression are you talking about, dear colleagues? In Russia, means of restraint are not used against demonstrators, as in many European countries. They are not shot by rubber bullets. There are no killed or even injured as a result of a clash with the police. I want to remind you that in Italy and Germany the law provides for five years of imprisonment and three years in France for these actions. And there is also a law that protects policemen from such attacks in Russia,” said Petr Tolstoy at his speech in the Assembly hall.
