NGOs find loopholes in foreign agents’ law, officials urge corrections
One possible option is to register an ordinary commercial company that would receive funds from abroad and employ NGO staff as workers to pay their salaries
Russians will be pressed to quit smoking
Russia has launched a war against smokers: they are not allowed any longer to smoke in public places
Russia’s new anti-smoking law comes into force
An anti-smoking law that bans smoking in public, including in government buildings, healthcare and educational facilities, cultural sites, sports stadiums and on public transport, comes into force in Russia on Saturday
Russian amputee sent to prison in bureaucratic mix-up
A Russian man has been sent to serve a prison sentence behind bars, despite multiple limb amputations that under Russian law should mean he is given alternative punishment, local media and prosecutors say
What hampers Russia’s anti-corruption legislation
Though Russia meets the anti-corruption standards of UNCAC, a major problem is the lack of a law punishing illicit enrichment itself
Putin urges new Russian citizenship law
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the government to speed up progress on a draft law easing citizenship requirements for Russian-language speaking applicants who are descendants of people born in Russia and the Soviet Union, the Kremlin pr
Campaign launched to promote licensed e-books
With 90 percent of electronic books in the country being obtained illegally, Russia launches its first social campaign to promote licensed versions
Putin signs media swearing bill into law
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a law making the use of obscene language by media outlets punishable by fines, the Kremlin said on Monday
Will Russia's new law reduce smoking?
Bill on cursing in media passes 2nd reading in parliament
The Russian parliament’s lower house, the State Duma, passed in the second reading on Friday a bill stipulating fines for the use of foul language in media.
Why Russians are shunning the bottle
The Russian legendary capacity for excessive drinking is finally being challenged by a changing work ethic and a government crackdown
New tax likely on “hidden” ads in blogs
Mentioning famous brands, shops or restaurants in blogs or even social networking sites may be considered hidden advertising by the Federal Antimomopoly Service
Domestic violence is a serious problem in Russia
The country has a shameful record when it comes to aggressive and violent behaviour against women by their husbands and relatives
NGO funding at risk as pressure increases
New laws may cause foreign-funded Russian NGOs to lose $630 million in sponsorship revenue, the Ministry of Economic Development admits
Russia mulls ban on duty-free alcohol on planes
Russian lawmakers are looking to ban passengers from carrying duty-free alcohol on board airplanes, amid a rise in disruption caused by Russian drunk travelers, Russian media said on Sunday.
Foreign parents no longer an obstacle to Russian citizenship
Russians who are married to foreign citizens will no longer require the consent of their spouses to grant their children Russian citizenship. The State Duma is discussing a bill that abolishes this discriminatory rule
Ban on alcohol ad threatens wine tastings
New law banning promotion of alcohol may be extended to apply to tastings and promotional events such as ProdExpo
State Duma approves anti-smoking bill
Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, approved a ban on smoking in public places in a crucial second reading on Friday.
New anti-smoking bill may attract China’s illicit cigarette trade
Russia plans to raise excise duties on tobacco, enact tough regulations of tobacco retail, and ban both smoking in public places and scenes of smoking in films. For producers and distributors, however, the major threat is coming from China and not Ru
Authorities tighten grip on migration control
New proposals on migration policy will introduce criminal statutes to Russian migration legislation