26 July, in spite of public protests, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, passed a new bill on extremism. Theoretically, it is aimed at strengthening the responsibility for extremism; however, it may undertake a new meaning and be used by the government to silence the mass media and infringe on the freedom of speech, privacy and self expression, which are the most important values in any democratic society. (10-AUG-07)

Written by HRH Moscow/Inna Komar, Liza Benkovitch (intern)
Sources: http://www.svobodanews.ru,  http://www.newsru.com, http://www.kasparov.ru

26 July, the Russian President Vladimir Putin passed a federal law on extremism.  The law outlines thirteen definition of the term “extremism;” however, its meaning is too vague and blurry to adequately determine the meaning of the bill.  According this law, public criticism addressed to high ranking government officials may equate to an act of extremism; in addition, any public demonstration which supports extremism will also be considered against the law.


Press SilenceSince its preliminary stages, the bill on extremism has caused a strong opposition from public, especially from journalists and human right defenders. They believe that the implementation of the extremism law will silence the mass media in the upcoming Duma and Presidential elections; hence, obstructing the freedom of speech, which is a key feature in a democratic society. Moreover, the opposing public is concerned that such bill will give an opportunity to the Federal Security Bureau (FSB) to listen on telephone conversations conducted by people suspected of extremism. Thus, the law denies the right of privacy, which is guaranteed by the constitution of the Russian Federation.


The most opposing parties to this new bill are human rights groups, journalists and organizations such as the “Reporters without Borders” and the “Glasnost Defense Foundation.” Some believe that these “innovations” are similar to Stalin’s most popular article in the former USSR Constitution, called “enemy of the people.” Journalists are extremely concerned that this bill will bring a definite end to any form of criticism against the Kremlin and the presidential powers.

One of the leaders from “Reporters without Borders,” Jean Francois Gillard, sent an official letter to President Vladimir Putin, requesting him to veto the extremism bill on the grounds that a “battle with extremism is definitely important but it must not limit the freedom of media and self expression.” The letter also called for a more accurate definition of extremism so that the government can only carry out specific chargers which violated the bill, as opposed to any form of criticism in public speech.  In addition, Alexei Simonov, chairman of Glasnost Defense Foundation is seriously concerned that “as this law will become more enforced, it will be less of a battle with extremism in itself, but used more of political strategy.”