The present draft legislation raises doubts as to the will of the new Russian Government to advance democratization. Dramatically increased fines and a further tightening of the legislation on demonstration represent severe restrictions on the freedom of assembly in Russia. Criticism from within Russia concerning inadequate protection against the imposition of arbitrary conditions and bans by authorities like that expressed by Russia’s Council on Human Rights, the Duma opposition and legal experts is being ignored.
This is the wrong signal to Russia’s citizens. Diversity of opinion and competition of ideas are not being promoted – instead new restrictions threaten to widen the growing rift between state and citizens. Instead of working to interest society in a new dialogue and a fresh start the state is compromising citizens’ readiness to engage in the necessary comprehensive modernization of their country.
In March, the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission revealed the deficits of Russian laws concerning assemblies and demonstration. Instead of remedying the deficits, however, new rules are being introduced which are contrary to the Commission’s recommendations. Thus, Russia is putting itself even more in opposition to its commitment to respect the European Human Rights Convention.