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 150-fold 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 300,000 rubles ($9,000 US) if the event causes damage to property or causes injuries.The bill, which has rapidly…

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