Peskov: Unsanctioned rallies cannot be approved of
NOVOGORSK, Moscow region. July 19 (Interfax) - Unauthorized rallies held in violation of the law cannot be approved of, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday in commenting on a rally protesting against opposition activist Alexei Navalny's conviction in downtown Moscow on Thursday.
"As far as I understand, you mean the unsanctioned rallies, that is, rallies that are held in violation of the law and the procedure for holding mass events. Certainly, such a gathering cannot be approved of, and the only thing you can hope for is that everything will be done within the legal framework in the future," Peskov told journalists when asked to comment on the Thursday rallies.
Talking about criticism addressed to the president, Peskov said, "Criticism is always acceptable, and constructive criticism is always welcome."
"Insults are unacceptable and inappropriate, be they leveled at the president or anyone else. We should treat each other with respect," Peskov said.