Russian Legislature Passes Anti-Protest Bill

Russia's parliament has passed a law that drastically increases fines for participating in political demonstrations without a permit. The Duma (lower chamber) approved the law after hours of discussion, and the Federation Council (upper chamber) then approved the law immediately.  Fines under the law can reach 300,000 rubles (~$10 000) for individuals or, as an alternative, 200 hours of community work. Officials may be fined up to 600,000 rubles, and legal entities may be fined up to one million rubles. Earlier the fine was only 1000 rubles (~$33). Opposition deputies unsuccessfully tried to delay the law by suggesting almost 500 amendments, each of which was discussed. To enter into force, the law must be signed by the President. Somewhat unexpectedly, President Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitri Peskov stated that Putin will not sign the law if it is "contrary to the generally accepted laws typically used in other states protecting the rights of citizens and members of society, [such as] European countries." Putin will study the draft law with painstaking care, Peskov said.

http://en.gazeta.ru/news/2012/06/06/a_4615153.shtml
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20120606/173874691.html