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Nationalism legalization in Russia
On Febtuary, 8th a conference “Language of strife and xenophobia. the Russian Federation, XXI century” was held in Moscow. Participants of the conference discussed situation in the Russian society, public policy and mass media, where language of strife and xenophobia are considered as legitimate by many people. Furthermore, party in power has recently launched a project, aimed at popularization of nationalism. (17-FEB-07)
Russia’s freedom rating in Freedom in the World
Russia’s receives a very low Freedom Rating. According to human rights activists, the year 2006 is characterized by frontal attack on human rights and democracy in the Russian Federation that developed into general revenge of authoritarian-police regime against rights and freedoms earlier declared on paper. However, President Putin rejects accusations of human rights violations. (13-FEB-06)
Opposition parties cut out of elections
In March fourteen regions of Russian Federation are holding local legislative elections. However, in a several regions two of the opposition liberal parties – Union of Right Forces and Yabloko (Apple) – have been barred from fielding candidates. The leaders of the said parties have already filed a suit against officials’ actions because as they claim the Elections Commission’s rejection is unfounded. Moreover, they believe the party in power has been controlling activities of elections commissions, wishing to liquidate possible rivals in the upcoming elections. (10-FEB-07)
About inappropriate relations in Russian army
The latest notorious incident of brutal treatment in the army – is a case of private Roman Rudakov. After severe beatings in his unit the soldier underwent ten operations, his small intestine was ablated. Military officials denied the fact of violence and ascribed Rudakov’s severe condition to allegedly latent congenital blood disease. (6-FEB-07)
President vis-a-vis civil society
On January 11th, an annual meeting of the RF President with members of the RF President Council for Development of Civil Society Institutions and Human Rights was held. President Putin didn’t argue with human rights activists and agreed with all their proposals. (29-JAN-07)
Human rights activists sum up results of 2006
On December, 29 representatives of the Russian Research Center for Human Rights at the press-conference sum up the results of the year 2006. Members of the Center evaluated events in the country and told journalists about their activities in 2006. Besides, they presented books published by the Center. (2-JAN-07)
The State Duma rejected Human Rights Court plan
On December, 20th the State Duma refused to ratify the Protocol 14 for changes in the European Court of Human Rights, aimed at increasing the efficiency of European Court’s of Human Rights work. The Protocol would help to decrease a number of unconsidered cases and a period for preparing a ruling as well. (28-DEC-06)
Closer to elections more pressure on opposition
On December 12th 2006 armed law enforcement agents raided the offices of one of the Russian opposition parties “United Civil Front” headed by Garry Kasparov. This incident took place just before a planned for December 16th protest action “March of Dissent”. The march was organized by Kasparov´s movement and other opposition groups and was held in Moscow. (20-DEC-06)
Rising opposition to regime
On December, 10th , the International Day of Human Rights, the Second All-Russian Congress on Protection of Human Rights stated that the situation in the country had drastically deteriorated. It was the first time leaders of human rights movement called human rights activists to take part in pre-election campaign together with all oppositional forces, including communists. (17-DEC-06)