MOSCOW (AP) — The Kremlin's spokesman has denounced nationalist demonstrators who threw green liquid on a prominent Russian novelist.

The Thursday attack occurred outside a central Moscow theater where the Memorial civil rights organization was holding an awards ceremony for winners of a high-school history contest. A group of about 20 nationalist demonstrators was outside, wearing the St. George's Ribbon that has become a widespread emblem of Russian patriotism.

Novelist Lyudmila Ulitskaya, whose works are honored at home and abroad, was doused in a bright green topical anesthetic that is often used in protests.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday called the incident "hooliganism, disgraceful ... Those covering themselves in the St. George's Ribbon are disgracing it."

Police said one suspect was arrested.