Venice Commission Lambasts Russian Anti-Protest Law

The European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) views a set of controversial amendments enacted on the heels of a series of opposition uprisings last year as “a step backward for the protection of freedom of assembly in the Russian Federation,” according to a copy of the opinion released to RAPSI Monday. On the heels of several months of protests last summer, Russian legislators adopted amendments to a law on public protests increasing fines for protest-related offenses ten-fold, stipulating compulsory community service for those found in violation of the law, and prohibiting the use of masks during protests. The Commission recommends the revision and drastic lowering of penalties applicable in case of the law’s violation.