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Stories Posted on April 26, 2008
Putin Signs Law Curbing Referendum Rights
Category: Civil Rights · State: · Source: Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into force changes to a law on Friday that Kremlin critics say will further stifle democracy by curbing the topics that can be put to referendums. The restrictions provoked a walkout by the main opposition Communist party faction when it was put to a vote in the State Duma lower house of parliament on April 4. The amendment to existing legislation was still passed when pro-Kremlin parliamentarians voted overwhelmingly to curtail future referendums that might affect presidential powers or budgetary issues. Putin's signature is the final step necessary before it becomes law.