Vladimir Putin today made it clear to the world that even the most basic peaceful protest by ordinary citizens is too much of a threat to his regime. As general elections grow closer dissent has grown louder from those who miss Russia's brief flirtation with democracy in the post communist era.

Todays supression of free speech and violation of the basic right to protest was a sad reminder that Russia, despite its elections, is no longer a free nation.

Despite its importance as an oil and natural gas supplier, the European Union must now show that it is strong enough to openly criticise todays actions, and not hide behind dull and verbose rhetoric as it so often does.

The organisation "Other Russia" does not pose a threat to democratic government in Russia and should not be treated as if it does.

Interestingly, several prominent oponents of Vladimir Putin have died under suspicious circumstances including an investigative journalist in the Middle East and Alexander Litvinenko. Freedom and democracy for Russia has never been further away.