State Department Condemns Russian Government's Response to Peaceful Protests

The State Department censured Russian authorities for detaining peaceful protesters Sunday as anti-corruption demonstrations swept the country, according to a statement provided to THE WEEKLY STANDARD.

Reports earlier on Sunday questioned the Trump administration's silence on the protests, including the White House and State Department.

"The United States strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters throughout Russia on Sunday," acting spokesman Mark Toner said. "Detaining peaceful protesters, human rights observers, and journalists is an affront to core democratic values."

Thousands of protesters took to the streets nationwide in demonstrations triggered by a top Russian opposition activist, Alexei Navalny, and the work his foundation has done to expose the corruption of some of the country's top political officials.

Navalny was one of hundreds detained Sunday. The State Department condemned his arrest.