Mass protests following Russia’s December 2011 parliamentary elections prompted promises of political reforms. However, after his return to the presidency, Vladimir Putin oversaw the swift reversal of former President Dmitry Medvedev’s few, timid advances on political freedoms and unleashed an unprecedented crackdown against civic activism. New laws restrict nongovernmental organizations, undermine freedoms of assembly and expression, and discourage international advocacy.New local laws discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Abuses continue in the counterinsurgency campaign in the North Caucasus.
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Residents of Kudepsta, Sochi painted, "No to the Kudepsta power station!" on a bridge at the power plant site. Residents fear pollution, devaluation of properties, and devastation of the natural landscape and of the town's appeal as a tourist destination.© 2012 Brent Stirton/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch
Reports
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Crackdown on Russia’s Civil Society after Putin’s Return to the Presidency
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Exploitation of Migrant Workers Ahead of Russia’s 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi
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Enforcement of an Islamic Dress Code for Women in Chechnya
Russia
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Apr 30, 2013
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Apr 25, 2013
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Apr 24, 2013
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Apr 24, 2013
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Apr 18, 2013
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Apr 17, 2013
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Apr 11, 2013
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Apr 10, 2013
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Apr 8, 2013
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Apr 5, 2013













