Russia's NGO Bill Sparks Widespread Criticism, Constitutional Rights Concerns
Critics argue that the bill governing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Russia does not contribute to civil society development, but rather places excessive control and may lead to corruption. Sergei Tsyplakov from Greenpeace Russia stated, "The bill's authors do not want a strong civil society in Russia which would be able to control the authorities and to point out their mistakes." Meanwhile, Russian Public Chamber promises to monitor the enforcement of the future law.
Key Takeaways:
- Russian NGO bill faces severe criticism from leading organizations, including Greenpeace Russia and Memorial human rights center.
- Critics argue the bill restricts civil society development and tightens unnecessary control.
- Human rights groups threaten to take the issue to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
- Public Chamber to monitor enforcement of the bill, promising to address potential flaws.
- Constitutional rights concerns raised by the Moscow Helsinki Group.
Statistics:
- 50% plus one share of Gazprom's regular stock held by the government and state-controlled companies, as mandated by the recent bill.
- 20% limit on foreign ownership of Gazprom stocks, down from 35% state holdings.
- 3.3 million rubles paid by PolyMetl for the Khakarinskaya area license, slightly above the starting price of 3 million rubles.
- 500 million euros estimated value of the recent contract between RZD and Siemens for eight high-speed trains.
- 14 tonnes of probable gold reserves in the Khakarinskaya area.
- 2005 target for reaching 26-26.5 billion cubic meters of gas production in Ukraine.
Sources:
- Interfax
- Press Service of President Vladimir Putin
- Greenpeace Russia
- Memorial human rights center
- Public Chamber of Russia
- Human Rights Watch
- Moscow Helsinki Group