An HMG spokesperson said

The decision by a Moscow court to sentence seven defendants in the Bolotnaya case to between two and a half and four years in prison highlights the concerns felt by many about the restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression in Russia.

We call upon the government of Russia to respect the principles of freedom of assembly and expression, and ensure that the rule of law is applied in a non-discriminatory and proportionate way.

Further information

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+