Russia’s Parliament Backs Sweeping New Limits on Dissent
- Kremlin-backed package aimed at blocking opposition, protest
- Moves seen as effort to counter U.S. political pressure
Another measure gives regulators the power to block foreign Internet companies for limiting access to Russian content.
Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/BloombergRussian lawmakers approved a raft of new measures restricting political activity and protests as well as tightening control over the Internet in what analysts say is a response to simmering popular discontent and fears of more pressure from the U.S.
The State Duma passed the measures -- all backed by the ruling party and virtually certain to become law -- with little debate. They include criminal penalties for individuals determined to be “foreign agents,” including journalists and political activists. Others impose further limits on public protests, broaden definitions of libel online and ban the publication of information about security-services personnel.