Washington: The Russian Embassy in the United States has expressed dissent over the "unlawful court verdict" in the sentencing of Russian gun-rights activist Maria Butina by the US.

"In relation to the unlawful court verdict, a note of protest has been sent to the [US] State Department. We demand the US officials to ensure the protection of rights and legal interests of our compatriot in accordance with international human rights norms," TASS quoted the embassy as saying.