Grant it the north of Ireland remains bogged down in the Troubles although they are not as horrible as in past years. Mr. Hain and for that matter any elected official or private citizen has the duty to speak out concerning evil in the world. To deny Mr. Hain that right would be Putin's way of silencing his critics permanently, which is typical KGB tactics regarding the London assassination.
No investigations are required relating to Putin arming the ever expanding Axis of Evil since it is fact. On the photo.
I agree there are most likely more photos with Bush making funny & strange faces.
From your point of view I also fully understand as a citizen of Russia, it's normal for a citizen to defend his nation's top politician, especially when the whole world has grave suspicions concerning a multiplicity of exceedingly alarming issues brought about by Putin's actions. The investigations have only begun. KGB agents should be used to investigations.
As to the right to speak of whatever concerns whomever - you are dead right. And I have the right to say too (having been in Northern Ireland many times), that with its present situation, I'd rather not take it as a paragon of democracy.