White House says concerned by Russian arrests

The White House said on Tuesday it is concerned by Russia's detention of dozens of demonstrators who were protesting restrictions on freedom of assembly.  

"The infringement of Russian citizens' rights to exercise these freedoms runs counter to our shared commitments to international norms and common interests in fostering modernization," said Mike Hammer, spokesman for the White House National Security Council. 

US-Russian relations have been on a warming trend with president Barack Obama and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev working to improve ties, although a Cold War-style spy drama in July provided some tensions. 

Russian police arrested anti-Kremlin opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow and at least 95 others on Saturday at demonstrations in cities across Russia. 

The White House statement said the arrests raised human rights concerns.   

"The United States reiterates the importance of embracing and protecting universal values, including freedoms of expression and assembly, enshrined in the Russian Constitution as well as in international agreements which Russia has signed," Hammer said. 

He said freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are characteristics of a modern political system that supports economic modernization.

"The United States remains committed to supporting those in Russia and around the world who are working to protect and advance the human rights and democratic values of their fellow citizens," Hammer said.