Russia ratifies agreement to simplify visa regime with USRussia has ratified an agreement to simplify its visa regime with the US. The State Duma adopted the document on July 6; the Federation Council approved it on July 18, 2012.16:49 30.07.2012
Vladimir Putin signs law on criminal responsibility for defamationPresident Vladimir Putin has signed a law returning the article on defamation to the Criminal Code. Previously, defamation was an administrative violation.15:50 30.07.2012
Bill on prohibiting foreign branch banks in Russia submitted to parliamentThe Russian government has submitted to the State Duma a draft law on prohibiting foreign banks from opening branch banks in Russia. The bill has been drafted as part of the strategy for developing Russias banking sector for the period of up to 2015 and consolidates the agreements reached by Russian negotiators during consultations on Russia's accession to the WTO.14:52 30.07.2012
Russia ratifies adoption treaty with FrancePresident Vladimir Putin has signed a law on the ratification of a treaty on cooperation with France in adoption, whereby a Russian-born child may only be adopted by a foreign family if adoptive parents cannot be found in Russia. The law was published and came into force on Monday.13:41 30.07.2012
Ukrainian Parliament refuses to cancel Russian language billAt its extraordinary meeting on Monday, the Ukrainian Parliament refused to cancel the law granting the Russian language official status in a number of the countrys regions.13:05 30.07.2012
Law on website blacklist enters into forcePresident Vladimir Putin has signed a bill into law establishing a list of domains and websites featuring unlawful content. The bill was submitted to the State Duma in early June and adopted in the first reading on July 6.10:16 30.07.2012
"Foreign agents" under Russia's NGO Law and its US doppelgangerPresident Putin signed off on a high-profile bill that will relegate politically active NGOs receiving funding from abroad to a registry of “foreign agents.” Once registered, these NGOs will face heightened scrutiny. They will be required to file regular disclosures with the government and to label all materials disseminated through major channels with their “foreign agent” status.12:57 27.07.2012
U.S. House of Representatives committee supports Jackson-Vanik withdrawalThe House Committee on Ways and Means supported an act during its meeting on Thursday repealing the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which restricts US-Russian trade, thereby establishing normal trade relations with Russia.12:20 27.07.2012
Officials concealing foreign bank accounts may be held liableMembers of United Russia are planning to submit a draft law to the State Duma which will obligate officials, MPs and governors to report on the opening of foreign bank accounts and the acquisition of real property and stock abroad.12:41 26.07.2012
U.K. Foreign Office criticizes new Russian law on NGOsThe U.K. Foreign Office has criticized the new law on the activity of foreign NGOs in Russia, saying that the law will generate mistrust in the public and create unnecessary barriers in Russian civil society.12:05 26.07.2012
Ookla LLC loses court challenge against fine for data storage violationsA Russian court said on Tuesday it had rejected a complaint filed by Ookla LLC against a 1-million ruble fine for not storing the personal data of Russian users in databases on Russian territory.17:20 17.01.2023
Russian Justice Ministry vows to improve jail conditionsRussia's Ministry of Justice has unveiled its proposals aimed at amending the internal rules of pre-trial detention centers and correctional facilities.15:29 13.01.2023
Bill on establishing Military Ombudsman post submitted to Russia’s State DumaLawmakers representing the New People party in the lower house of the Russian parliament have submitted to the State Duma a bill envisaging the introduction of the post of military ombudsman.16:17 12.10.2022