Anti-government protests staged in Russia over the weekend are a “positive sign” for democracy in the former Soviet republic, Washington said on Monday, December 12.

“The demonstrations that occurred in Moscow and in many other Russian cities last Saturday, Dec. 10 represent a very positive sign to all those who support the democratic process,” White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.

“Russian government authorities allowed the demonstrations to take place, and refrained from interfering in them,” he said.

Tens of thousands of people gathered near the Kremlin on Dec. 10 to protest against alleged fraud at the December 4 parliamentary elections, which saw Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s ruling United Russia party just maintain its parliamentary majority, RIA Novosti reported.