Duma passes law to fight extremism
Russia's lower house of parliament passed an anti-extremism law yesterday that human rights defenders say could be used to hobble opposition parties and the media.
The State Duma, dominated by the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, passed the new law by 338 votes to 99 against, with one abstention, easily clearing the 226-vote hurdle.
President Vladimir Putin, who is to host the Group of Eight (G8) summit in Saint Peterburg next weekend, must now add his signature for the law to go into effect.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The law expands the definition of extremism to include slander against public officials, including accusations against a public official of having committed serious or extremist crimes.
Hindering the work of the authorities, electoral commissions or officials will also be considered extremist, as will involvement in riots, hooliganism or vandalism for ideological, religious, political or ethnic motives.
Comments