Putin likens Russian crackdown to arresting US Capitol rioters

NBC News journalist Keir Simmons, left, speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin (NBC News via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the hundreds of people arrested for rioting at the US Capitol are being subjected to “persecution for political opinions”.

Mr Putin is likely to come under strong criticism from US President Joe Biden when they meet at a summit in Geneva on Wednesday for moves against his political opponents in Russia.