Source: HRO.org (info), 31/05/12 

· Right of assembly  · Freedom of speech 

On 30 May the amendments to the bill on rallies were approved for the second reading by the State Duma's constitutional committee. As Vedomosti reported on 31 May, this latest version of the bill provides a more detailed gradation of illegal actions. Those who disseminate information about rallies on social networking services will also face fines. United Russia initially proposed that ordinary participants in protests be faced with fines of up to 900,000 roubles and organisers with fines of up to 1.5 million roubles. However, in the end the maximum fine for citizens was lowered to 300,000 roubles. The number of offences covered by the bill also increased: the most minor offences will be punishable by fines of 10,000-20,000 roubles for ordinary participants. Public officials will face fines of from 30,000 roubles up to 600,000 roubles for major offences. Legal persons will pay fines ranging from up to 100,000 roubles for minor offences to a maximum of 1 million roubles. [Read more]