Russia acts to restrict rights groups

Russia’s lower house of parliament today took the first step toward approval of a bill that would prevent foreign-funded rights groups from operating in the country – a move sure to heighten criticism of President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to democracy.

“The express purpose of this law is to emasculate the NGO community,” said Holly Cartner, regional director of the US-based Human Rights Watch. It would “eviscerate” civil society in Russia.