The State Department on Sunday night criticized Russia after it arrested anti-corruption protesters, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
"The United States strongly condemns the detention of hundreds of peaceful protesters throughout Russia on Sunday," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner. "Detaining peaceful protesters, human rights observers, and journalists is an affront to core democratic values. We were troubled to hear of the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny upon arrival at the demonstration, as well as the police raids on the anti-corruption organization he heads."