From Ms Maja KOCIJANCIC, Spokesperson of Catherine
Ashton, EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs
and Security Policy
The EU has noted the adoption of a bill yesterday by both
houses of the Russian Federal Assembly that significantly
increases fines and reinforces other forms of punishment for
violations during public events, i.e. rallies and demonstrations.
The EU is concerned about the possible implications of this
bill, many of which have already been underlined by many Russian
politicians, journalists and civil society actors.
We understand that the signing of this bill by the President
is still under consideration. We have also taken note of the
Presidents intention to consult further and hear all views
before taking a final decision on this bill.
As a neighbour and as Russia's Strategic Partner, the EU
believes that the recent civic activism offers a valuable
opportunity for the state to engage in a constructive dialogue
with civil society which could bring benefits to both sides.
In our view regulations that discourage civic engagement are
not conducive to achieve this objective. However, some encouraging
reforms have been announced by the Russian government, and
this process should be taken further...
The EU is concerned by reports that 18 peaceful protesters,
including some prominent Yabloko members, were arrested during
a peaceful demonstration against the new bill on public rallies
outside the State Duma.
The EU recalls Russia's international commitments as a member
of the Council of Europe and the OSCE to guarantee the freedom
of expression and the freedom of assembly.
Maja KOCIJANCIC
Spokesperson of HR/VP Catherine Ashton
Berlaymont (1/328)
See also:
Mitrokhin:
signing by President Putin of the law on rallies represents
an actual ban on street actions. Interfax,
June 8, 2012.
Official
Russian human rights bodies condemn new law on rallies.
Based on Interfax reports, June 7, 2012.
Picketing
against toughening of the law on rallies took place in Novosibirsk.
Press Release, June 7, 2012.
Police
stopped the procession to the monument to Pushkin because
of the T-shirts with protest slogans. Press
Release, June 6, 2012.
Activists protesting
against the law on rallies arrested in Volgograd. Press
Service of Volgograd YABLOKO, June 6, 2012.
Pickets against
the law raising fines for rallies has taken place by the Federation
Council. Press Release, June 6, 2012.
YABLOKO
to continue protesting against adoption of the law raising
penalties on rallies by the Federation Council and in Alexander
Gardens by the Kremlin. Press Release, June 5, 2012.
Russian
United Democratic Party leader Sergey Mitrokhin arrested as
"a hooligan". EU Reporter. June 5, 2012
YABLOKO leader and 17
activists arrested by the State Duma. Press Release, June
5, 2012
Mitrokhin
released without charges, other activists will stand before
court. Press Release, May 22, 2012.
Sergei
Mitrokhin and activists detained at the "walking protests"
by the State Duma
Press Release, May 22, 2012.
Sergei
Mitrokhin and activists detained at the "walking protests"
by the State Duma
Press Release, May 22, 2012.
Youth
YABLOKO to picket the State Duma protesting against raising
of fines for rallies
Press Release, May 17, 2012.
Yavlinsky
called on the "walking protestors" in St. Petersburg
to set political goals. Interfax. May 15, 2012
Human
Rights
Freedom
of Assembly
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