Russia: Putin urged to reject law restricting the right to peaceful assembly

Headline Title: Russia: Putin urged to reject protest law 07 June 2012 The Russian authorities must stop curtailing freedom of expression and assembly, Amnesty International urged after the country's parliament adopted a bill that hikes up fines for protesters taking part in unsanctioned rallies.The move by President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party means those participating in "unsanctioned public meetings" can be fined up to 30,000 rubles ($900 US) and up to 50,000 rubles if the meeting puts a higher demand on police resources then foreseen. The bill, which has rapidly passed…

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