Recommended Reading
Russian Parliament Severely Restricts Referendums (updated)
New legislation enacted by Russia’s State Duma limits what issues can be solved by national referendums. Critics believe this is the latest step to limit the ability of ordinary Russian citizens to participate in running their country.
Apr 8, 2008 | Continued
Russia has the World’s Richest Government –Forbes
Forbes magazine reports that Russia currently has the world’s richest politicians. Twelve billionaire delegates serve in the Parliament alone, for a net worth of some $41 billion.
Apr 7, 2008 | Continued
Russian Opposition Forces Meet to Discuss Unification
Opposition politicians from a variety of groups have met at a St. Petersburg conference, titled the “New Agenda For Liberal Forces,” to discuss new ways to collaborate.
Apr 5, 2008 | Continued
Russian Authorities Seize Computers from Two Publications in Azov
Russian authorities in the Rostov oblast have raided the editorial offices of two news outlets in the city of Azov, taking computers from the “Chitai-telenedelya” newspaper and the “Bely Kot” (White Cat) magazine.
Apr 5, 2008 | Continued
Expert Who Exposed Electoral Fraud Assaulted in Russia
A political expert who reported on violations in recent Russian elections and even took the electoral commission to court has been assaulted and beaten in the city of Dolgoprudny, some 20 kilometers north of Moscow.
Apr 4, 2008 | Continued
Anti-Kremlin Activists Jailed Over Peaceful Protest
Two Russian opposition activists have been sentenced to two and a half years for participating in a demonstration for fair elections in Russia.
Apr 3, 2008 | Continued
Spring Military Draft Begins in Russia
The Russian military has begun its Spring draft, and has started conscripting young men of age. The army expects to take in some 133 thousand conscripts, with some Russian regions using creative measures, including online social networks to find potential soldiers and draft-dodgers.
Apr 2, 2008 | Continued
A Record Harvest of Spies
Yulia Latynina writes an insightful piece on the recent spate of espionage cases in Russia, wondering at the capability of a law enforcement agency that can readily expose presumed infiltrators, but can’t even solve simple domestic crimes.
Apr 2, 2008 | Continued
Russian Tank Hobbyist Charged With Extremism
Russian prosecutors have launched a investigation of extremism over two World-War Two era tanks marked with Nazi insignia.
Apr 1, 2008 | Continued
Russian Prosecutors Dissect Opposition Leader’s Online Journal
Prosecutors in the Russian city of Vologda have launched an investigation into the LiveJournal account of Ivan Belyaev, a local leader of the opposition United Civil Front party, and may charge him with inciting hatred and enmity.
Mar 30, 2008 | Continued