MOSCOW – Russia voiced support for Saudi Arabia in its worsening row withCanada on Wednesday, telling Ottawa it was unacceptable to lecture thekingdom on human rights.

Saudi Arabia froze new trade and investment with Canada and expelled theCanadian ambassador this week in a retaliatory move after Canada publiclycalled for the release of arrested human rights activists.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that humanrights should be promoted with respect for specific national customs andtraditions.

“We have always said that the politicisation of human rights matters isunacceptable,” Zakharova said.

“What one probably needs in this situation is constructive advice andassistance rather than criticism from a ‘moral superior’,” she said.