Lithuanian formin attracts international community's attention to detentions in Russia

"We really think the international community should pay attention to that. (…) They should, first of all, see that it's happening," he told BNS Lithuania.

Independent observers say over a thousand people were detained in 19 Russian cities during protests across the country on Saturday, including the rallies' organizer Alexei Navalny.

The detentions show "the government's fear of people is clear," Linkevičius said, calling on Russia to release the detained people.

"What is happening is raising concern, and it also shows that the society is not free to express its opinion and will," Linkevičius said. "All countries have laws and they would be executed, but we believe any measures must be adequate."

Protests across Russia were held o the eve of President-Elect Vladimir Putin's inauguration on Monday. Putin was reelected for a fourth presidential term in March.