Putin Signs Anti-Magnitsky Act into Force

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed into law controversial parliamentary legislation banning the adoption of Russian children by American families. The law also introduces visa and financial sanctions against foreigners "committing crimes against Russian citizens" and bans the activity of Russian NGOs financed from the US or headed by Americans. The law -- retaliation for a US law punishing Russian officials implicated in the 2009 prison death of the whistle-blowing attorney Sergei Magnitsky -- will come into force on January 1, the Kremlin said. The highly contentious law is widely regarded as the toughest piece of anti-US legislation during Putin's 13-year rule and has prompted objections not just from activists but even some cabinet ministers.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/putin-signs-anti-us-adoption-law-kremlin.aspx?pageID=238&nID=37853&NewsCatID=353
http://www.lenta.ru/news/2012/12/28/putin/