An appearance by a powerful Russian politician at an international event in Geneva prompted EU representatives, including German parliamentary president Julia Klöckner, to leave the hall in protest over the war in Ukraine.
The walk-out on Wednesday was in protest at an appearance by Valentina Matviyenko, chairwoman of the upper house of the Russian parliament, the Federation Council, who is considered the most powerful woman in Russia.
The 76-year-old is a fervent supporter of the war against Ukraine ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin and is on Western sanctions lists.
Switzerland points out that, as the host of international conferences, it must grant exemptions for entry on such occasions.
Matviyenko was attending a meeting of parliamentary presidents of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that takes place every five years, aiming to promote peace.
Matviyenko had already used an appearance before a smaller audience on Monday to disparage Ukraine.
Her appearance in the West was partly recorded as a propaganda success in Russia.
Alongside Matviyenko, the lawmakers from the Russian lower house, or Duma, Leonid Slutsky and Pyotr Tolstoi were also present at the event in Geneva. (dpa/NAN)
