Monaco Intelligence: POLONIUM PUTIN: SHADES OF NIXON
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2012
POLONIUM PUTIN: SHADES OF NIXON
(Maybe Kissinger rubbed off on him...)
New legislation is reportedly in the works that would create a register of websites with illegal content -- and require providers to block such sites.
The legislation's original stated purpose was to combat child pornography and pedophilia.
But as Gazeta.ru reports, quoting members of the ruling United Russia party, it will also be used to battle "extremism" -- the Kremlin's favorite euphemism for any opposition activity.
The legislation, currently being considered by the State Duma, comes as lawmakers are also set to debate a bill requiring any NGO receiving funding from abroad to register as a "foreign agent."
The legislation, currently being considered by the State Duma, comes as lawmakers are also set to debate a bill requiring any NGO receiving funding from abroad to register as a "foreign agent."
And, of course, it comes on the heels of a recently passed law imposing draconian fines on participants in unsanctioned demonstrations.
Likewise, it is also becoming clear that Putin doesn't plan to show much mercy for disloyal former friends and allies.
Just ask Federation Council deputy Lyudmila Narusova, the mother of socialite-turned-social activist Ksenia Sobchak and widow of the man who launched Putin's political career -- the late former St. Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak.
Prosecutors are reportedly pouring over a television interview Narusova gave, looking for evidence of extremism. Additionally, the ruling United Russia party is seeking to expel Narusova from the upper chamber of parliament.
Part of the assault on Narusova can surely be traced to the Kremlin's increased irritation with her daughter's opposition activities. And part of it was likely sparked by her vocal opposition to the law imposing harsh penalties on anti-regime demonstrations.
Just ask Federation Council deputy Lyudmila Narusova, the mother of socialite-turned-social activist Ksenia Sobchak and widow of the man who launched Putin's political career -- the late former St. Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak.
Prosecutors are reportedly pouring over a television interview Narusova gave, looking for evidence of extremism. Additionally, the ruling United Russia party is seeking to expel Narusova from the upper chamber of parliament.
Part of the assault on Narusova can surely be traced to the Kremlin's increased irritation with her daughter's opposition activities. And part of it was likely sparked by her vocal opposition to the law imposing harsh penalties on anti-regime demonstrations.
Narusova would not be the first Putin ally to fall from grace.
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