Russian bill would bar foreigners from protests
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 13 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian bill would bar foreigners from protests, 13 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9d6434.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 13, 2015
A Russian ruling-party lawmaker has drafted a bill that would prohibit foreigners from participating in public protests and other demonstrations.
United Russia member Yevgeny Fyodorov said on March 12 that the draft law has been presented to the State Duma, the lower parliament house, for discussions.
Fyodorov said the proposal is aimed "to prevent provocations during mass political rallies and subsequent civil unrest."
More than 400 people were detained after violence erupted at a protest on the eve of President Vladimir Putin's inauguration to a third term in May 2012.
Several people have been tried and imprisoned over the violence at the rally on Moscow's Bolotnaya Square, which the government and protesters blame on one another.
Investigators claimed that the protest was orchestrated by a Georgian politician.
Since then, Russia has tightened regulations for protests and increased punishment for violations, part of what rights activists say is a methodical clampdown on dissent.
Based on reporting by RIA and Moskovsky Komsomolets
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
