Duma Bill Sharply Restricts Rallies.

(From The Moscow Times)

As the United Russia majority in the State Duma gave preliminary approval to a bill outlawing protests near government buildings Wednesday, pro-democracy activists staged a rally outside the Duma's main entrance to insist on their right to do just that.

The bill bans rallies and demonstrations outside presidential residences and buildings occupied by federal, regional or local authorities, as well as foreign embassies and offices of international organizations.

Critics called it a move to distance legislators from the people they represent and a giant setback to civil rights. Its pro-Kremlin sponsors called the legislation a logical step in the fight against terrorism and said it was meant to protect citizens' safety.

Deputy Justice Minister Yevgeny Sidorenko told deputies that the bill, drafted by his ministry and submitted in April 2003, should not be seen as a threat to democracy. "It is much more democratic than the Soviet-era one it replaces," he was quoted by Interfax as saying.

Demonstrations are currently governed by a decree first issued by the Supreme Soviet in 1988 and reaffirmed, with minor modifications, by presidential decrees in 1992 and 1993.

Duma Security Committee chairman Vladimir Vasilyev, a United Russia deputy, said the bill protects the safety of citizens. "There are worries that this bill is repressive, but it's not -- the biggest penalty is a fine," he said. The maximum fine would be 10,000 rubles ($350).