The lower house of the Russian parliament adopted several laws today that strengthen authorities' control over blogs, as well as the penalties that can be imposed for inciting "mass riots," a charge that targets many opposition figures.
The Duma has unanimously adopted a law that imposes the same obligations on blogs as on the media, part of a package of “anti-terrorism” laws. According to the text, any blogger whose blog receives more than 3,000 visits per day will have to register with the media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, and keep all data for six months.
Bloggers, who must publish their names on their blogs, will also have to verify the information they publish and set an appropriate age limit for those who visit their blogs. Under the law, Roskomnadzor, which in March blocked access to several information sites critical of the Kremlin, will also have to compile a list of the most popular blogs. They will have to comply with their new obligations within 10 days, or face fines of up to 500,000 rubles (10,000 euros).
Another law adopted today also doubles the minimum sentence for participating in mass riots, increasing it from 4 years in prison to 8 years. This charge has been handed down today to several Russian opposition figures, including Left Front leader Sergei Udaltsov.
Moreover, "attending courses for organizing mass riots or participating in them" can be punished by a sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 rubles.
Source: koutipandoras.gr
