Russia raises fines for illegal rallies

Communist and Fair Russia MPs in lower house the State Duma put forward several hundred amendments on Tuesday in an unprecedented attempt to slow the Bill's passing.

But members of the United Russia party voted the amendments down one by one during a marathon session that lasted nearly six extra hours and ended just before midnight.

United Russia then used its majority in the 450 seat parliament to approve the Bill in the second and third readings. The final vote was 241-147.

The Kremlin wants the new Bill to become law by next Tuesday, when the opposition plans a major protest in Moscow. It will also require approval by the upper house and President Vladimir Putin's signature.

Since winning presidential elections in May, Mr Putin has toughened his line toward the opposition, whose protests over the winter drew up to 100,000 in an unprecedented challenge to his rule.

Communist Party of the Russian Federation MP Anatoly Lokot warned that if signed into law the Bill "will destroy the social peace and deepen the divide in society.

"Instead of a dialogue you are offering a big stick."

Fair Russia MP Gennady Gudkov added: "In the past, tightening the screws in Russia has only caused bloodshed.

"This is a sure path to a civil war."

foreigneditor@peoples-press.com