Duma imposes protest crackdown / Putin approves harsh fines for protesters

Russia’s parliament passed a law imposing draconian fines on demonstrators on the 5 June 2012, aimed at curtailing anti-Kremlin protests in a political crackdown following the return of Vladimir Putin as President in May 2012.

The Duma, or lower house of parliament, dominated by the pro-Putin United Russia party, passed the law with a final vote of 241-147, despite efforts by opposition deputies to delay the vote using a combination of filibustering and legislative foot dragging. The proposed law must now be voted on by the upper house, or senate, and signed into law by Mr Putin, both of which would be formalities.

Russia upper house (Federation Council) passed the law on the 6 June 2012 and President Putin signed the law on the 8 June 2012.

BBC News, 6.6.12: Russian MPs back huge fines for protest violations http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18336097

ESO: Background information: Protesters’ stand against Putin turns violent / The paradox of Putin’s third term http://www.europeansources.info/record/protesters-stand-against-putin-turns-violent-the-paradox-of-putins-third-term/

RIA Novosti, 6.6.12: Russia Upper House Passes Protest Law http://en.rian.ru/russia/20120606/173873960.html

RIA Novosti, 8.6.12: Putin Approves Huge Rise in Protest Fines http://en.rian.ru/russia/20120608/173920982.html

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