GENEVA, September 28. /TASS/. The West sought to intimidate international observers and prevented Russians abroad from casting ballots in State Duma elections, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large on the crimes of the Kiev regime Rodion Miroshnik said on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council.

"Methods of interference in Russia’s electoral processes included intimidating international observers, threatening election commission members, blocking voting abroad and calls not to recognize the election results," the diplomat said. Miroshnik noted that the European Platform for Democratic Elections, a network of non-governmental organizations funded by the European Commission, urged imposing "career and financial restrictions" on observers who traveled to Russia and performed their duties honestly.

"They proposed banning them from participating 'in international trips or missions, as well as international academic exchange programs,' and all because their views do not align with the anti-Russian agenda of that organization," he added.