Europe scathing of Russia

The Council of Europe has come out with the most scathing criticisms I've seen so far from them, in regards to the human rights abuses of Russian gays. Apparently Russia is a signatory to the Council of Europe and it's human rights stance.

"Authorities have an obligation also to (ensure) that LGBT people can express their views and (hold) demonstrations," said Thorbjorn Jagland, secretary-general of the Council of Europe, of which Russia is a signatory. 

"This is a fundamental principle in the European Convention on Human Rights," he said. more

What's more, the Council of Europe is wanting economic agreements between Russia and Europe to have pressure put on them over Russia's stance on gays.

‘Russia should be threatened with expulsion from the CoE if they don’t respect the treaties they signed and the human rights values it espouses, nor the verdicts of the European Court of Human Rights or its jurisprudence. 

‘Furthermore, the European Union should put pressure on economic agreements with Russia so that improves its records and actions concerning human rights or LGBT rights.’ more

I thought there was going to be some sort of reaction like this from various countries after seeing the violence against the gay marchers the other day. Looks like I was right.