Protests in the Russian Federation on 31 January, 2021 were marked by a new spiral of human rights violations and brutal violence against protesters, as well as against journalists covering the events.

Another act of suppression of the rights of Russian citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, arrests of the members of the opposition and representatives of the media, persecution of those who disagree with the aggressive policies of the Russian authorities inside the country and internationally are alarming evidence of further restrictions of fundamental rights and freedoms and violation of Russia’s international obligations in the field of human rights.

The Russian authorities, who cultivate lawlessness and violence in the country and flagrantly violate the rights of their citizens, apply similar methods and approaches in international politics, thus undermining international peace and security.

Such actions cannot remain without a response from the international community.

The time has come for more decisive actions and for bringing to accountability for violent acts against Russia’s people and aggression against the peoples of the neighbouring countries.

It is well known that the sense of impunity breeds violence. Therefore, all international mechanisms of pressure, including sanctions for human rights violations, must be applied without a delay.

Today, the price of calls to continue dialogue with Russia equates to new beaten and detained protesters advocating for human rights and democracy, and to further spinning the spiral of violence in Russia.