WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the arrest of members of the Russian opposition and their leader, Alexei Navalny, amid protests against Vladimir Putin across Russia.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the brave members of the Russian opposition and their leader, Alexei Navalny, who are standing up to Putin.

“My problem is with Putin – not the Russian people. In many ways, the Russian people have suffered the most from Putin’s tyrannical actions. 

“The sacrifice of these brave people will pay off in the end, as Russia will grow weary of Putin’s thuggery and thievery.”

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