Moscow - Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has criticised Russia for continuing violation of human rights
and freedom in the country.

"Freedom of assembly and expression continued to come under attack, including through the banning of demonstrations, their violent dispersal and the prosecution of individuals under anti-extremism legislation," the
London-based organisation said in its annual report published Friday.

The organisation cited clampdown on several peaceful demonstrations in Moscow and St. Petersburg and gay parades.

"Human rights defenders and independent journalists continued to face threats, harassment and attacks, and investigations yielded few concrete results," the report said.

It blamed the inefficient and corrupt justice system for their failure to improve human rights.

"Corruption and collusion between the police, investigators and prosecutors were widely perceived as undermining the effectiveness of investigations and obstructing prosecutions," it said.

The report said there was a rise in racially motivated violence in the country. It cited data from the SOVA Centre for Information and Analysis, which said 37 people died as a result of hate crimes in Russia last year.

The organisation also expressed concern over the volatile situation in the North Caucasus region, including Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia.