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Russia approves 150-fold rise in fines for illegal protests
Source: Associated Press
Russia approves 150-fold rise in fines for illegal protests
Associated Press in Moscow
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 6 June 2012 13.14 BST
The upper chamber of Russia's parliament has voted 132-1 to approve a bill that raises fines 150-fold for people taking part in unsanctioned rallies. The much-debated legislation now needs only the president's signature to become law.
The Federation Council voted after a short debate, in contrast to the lower house, where MPs discussed it for 11 hours before the pro-Kremlin United Russia rammed it through at midnight.
The opposition factions in the Duma put forward several hundred amendments in an unprecedented attempt to stymie the bill's passage, reflecting a new willingness to stand up to the Kremlin.
The bill raises fines from the current 2,000 rubles (£40) to 300,000 rubles (£5,970). The legislation has been seen as a response to a series of anti-government protests and aimed at discouraging further street protests challenging Vladimir Putin.
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Associated Press in Moscow
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 6 June 2012 13.14 BST
The upper chamber of Russia's parliament has voted 132-1 to approve a bill that raises fines 150-fold for people taking part in unsanctioned rallies. The much-debated legislation now needs only the president's signature to become law.
The Federation Council voted after a short debate, in contrast to the lower house, where MPs discussed it for 11 hours before the pro-Kremlin United Russia rammed it through at midnight.
The opposition factions in the Duma put forward several hundred amendments in an unprecedented attempt to stymie the bill's passage, reflecting a new willingness to stand up to the Kremlin.
The bill raises fines from the current 2,000 rubles (£40) to 300,000 rubles (£5,970). The legislation has been seen as a response to a series of anti-government protests and aimed at discouraging further street protests challenging Vladimir Putin.
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Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jun/06/russia-approves-rise-fines-protests
