US scolds Russia for breakup of anti-Kremlin protests

By Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States scolded Russia on Monday over a police crackdown on anti-Kremlin protests, calling it a heavy-handed response that raised new questions about Moscow's commitment to democracy.

The U.S. reaction marked the sharpest criticism of President Vladimir Putin's government since he accused Washington in February of trying to impose its will on the world, and could further strain bilateral relations.

Riot police wielding batons beat, kicked and chased opposition demonstrators in St. Petersburg on Sunday, a day after authorities detained several hundred protesters in Moscow, including former world chess champion Garry Kasparov.

"We are deeply disturbed by the heavy-handed manner in which this weekend's demonstrations ... were broken up by the authorities and by an emerging pattern of use of excessive force by the authorities in reaction to similar events," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters.

"We think that these types of disruptions at peaceful protests are unacceptable," she added.

U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack joined in the criticism, saying, "At the very least it is inconsistent with the Russian government's stated democratic values."

The Kremlin defended the police action, saying they were trying to stop "ultra-radicals" from violating law and order.

Germany, holding the rotating presidency of the European Union, said Russia's crackdown was "unacceptable" and demanded Moscow explain its actions. Police also took journalists, including German television reporters, into custody.