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FCO statement on the OSCE report into the Russian presidential election.

An FCO spokesperson said:

The OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission to the Russian Presidential elections has now issued their initial report.

The report makes clear that restrictions on fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of expression and assembly, including the detention of activists, resulted in a lack of genuine competition in the election. The Russian Central Election Commission also placed restrictions on candidate registration, and President Putin benefited from dominating coverage in the state media.

We continue to call on the Russian Government to comply with its international commitments in the Council of Europe and OSCE to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression.

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