Russia's new 'undesirables' law draws Western ire
The EU and the US condemn a Russian crackdown on "undesirable" NGOs, calling it a "worrying step" that would stifle free speech.
MOSCOW: The European Union (EU) joined the United States on Sunday in condemning a Russian crackdown on "undesirable" non-governmental organisations (NGOs), calling it a "worrying step" that would stifle free speech.
Under the law signed by President Vladimir Putin on Saturday evening, Russian prosecutors will be able to target foreign groups whose "undesirable activities" are deemed to threaten "state security" or the "basic values of the Russian state." Such groups and their publications risk being banned in Russia, having their bank accounts blocked and violators face fines or prison terms of up to six years. People cooperating with such entities would also be hit with fines and could be banned from entry to Russia, according to the text, which sailed through the two chambers of Russia's parliament.
The EU called the law a "worrying step in a series of restrictions on civil society, independent media and political opposition" in Russia. "It will restrict freedom of speech and media as well as pluralism of opinion," a spokesperson for the EU's foreign service said in a statement.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/russia-s-new-undesirables/1869422.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
but this yes...
Seriously?
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