Russia To Introduce 'Draconian' Law
30 Jul 2010
The Guardian
The UK's Guardian reports that Russian citizens can be issued official warnings about crimes that they have not yet committed under powers granted to the security services.
Boris Nemtsov, a leader of the Solidarity opposition movement, noted that "This is a draconian law reminiscent of our repressive past." Rights activists fear the measures could be used to stifle civil disobedience and had expressed optimism that Medvedev might step in to quash the legislation.
Eduard Limonov, an opposition politician, added: "Medvedev may smile more than Putin but the face of power hasn't changed...The Kremlin is still terrified there will be an Orange Revolution in Russia if people are allowed to gather on the streets."