Amnesty induces Spain to pressure Russia on human rights during Putin visit

Amnesty International said Monday it was urging Spain 's king and prime minister to address Russia 's human rights record when they meet this week with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin was scheduled to arrive Wednesday along with several Russian ministers for a two-day state visit.

Photo: Amnesty induces Spain to pressure Russia on human rights during Putin visit

Amnesty induces Spain to pressure Russia on human rights during Putin visit

Amnesty sent a letter to King Juan Carlos, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos urging them to bring up the human rights issue during that visit.

Despite assurances from Russia that it was improving human rights, Amnesty said it had visited in September and found the changes were insignificant.

Russia needs to improve its poor judicial system, rights abuses Chechnya and the lack of attention for the women victims of domestic abuse, Amnesty said.

Putin meets Wednesday evening with King Juan Carlos, and holds talks Thursday with Zapatero, reports the AP.

D.M.