Senators Easily Pass Bill Targeting NGOs(Russia)

[CHIMO]

The Federation Council on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a controversial bill placing restrictions on nongovernmental organizations, a move critics say will set back the development of civil society.

Senators backed the measure by a vote of 153-1 with one abstention. The bill received final approval in the State Duma last week and will enter into force after it has been signed into law by President Vladimir Putin.

Several human rights and other nonprofit groups protested the legislation in a letter sent to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

But Memorial, the country's leading human rights organization, and other nonprofit groups warned that the bill remained draconian and could force them to close. Sponsors of the legislation said it was necessary to stem terrorism and extremism. Critics and supporters alike say the bill has grown out of the Kremlin's increasing displeasure with NGOs that criticize the government, advocate democracy and promote human rights before parliamentary and presidential elections in 2007 and 2008.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/12/28/016.html

[mom cat]

1. What was not mentioned was the fact that the CIA uses many NGO's

as front organizations. Some people want to limit US spying. I wish that we would limit it here too.

[ugarte]

2. We don't allow foreign money into US elections either...nt

[depakid]

3. This is actually going to be a nightmare

for the Russian people. NGO's do A LOT of things in Russia- including education and service delivery, that the government can't (or won't) do for itself.