Summary:
Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini estimates that the extensive protests against President Vladimir Putin organised in Russia on Sunday 26 March indicate that civil society works in Russia. He says the protests show there is pressure for discussion and seeking alternatives in the Russian society and that civil society wants to be heard better. Mr Soini says there is no need to overdramatise the apprehension of opposition leader Alexei Navalny as the protests were organised without permission and those apprehended will probably be let go fairly soon.

Media:  Iltalehti
Date: 27.3.2017
Journalist: Mika Koskinen
Main source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini