Outrage as Russia hikes protest fines

The Kremlin-controlled Russian parliament has rammed through a harsh bill that raises fines 150-fold for people taking part in unsanctioned rallies, in a move aimed at discouraging the opposition from challenging President Vladimir Putin.

The bill would jack up fines from the current 2,000 rubles to 300,000 rubles (€7,200), and comes after a series of massive protests that have reflected growing public frustration with Mr Putin’s 12-year rule.