Written question asked by Lord Judd (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 6 November 2006.

Russia: Yekaterina Sorkiryanskaya

Question: What representations they have made, or are making, to the Government of Russia concerning alleged police violence against Yekaterina Sokiryanskaya at a recent memorial gathering for Anna Politkovskaya; and whether in those representations they emphasised, or are emphasising, that by invitation in September and OctoberMs Sokiryanskaya had attended a conference at Ditchley Park chaired by Sir Brian Fall on the Caucasus region.

Answer: We have drawn to the attention of the Russian Government our concern at reports of police violence during a picket on 16 October in Nazran, Ingushetia, where it is alleged that Ms Sokirianskaya was beaten by officers. In so doing, we referred toMs Sokirianskaya's attendance at the recent Ditchley Park conference, at which the Russian Government were also represented. The right to freedom of assembly is guaranteed in the constitution of the Russian Federation and we have urged the Russian authorities to respect this right. We regularly discuss the progress of democratic reforms in Russia, including freedom of assembly and the media, with the Russian authorities. This issue will form part of the next EU-Russia human rights consultations in Brussels on 8 November.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7973; 686 c92WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Human rights Russia Freedom of association Police brutality Sokirianskaia, Ekaterina
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk