Democracy Group Blasts Russia’s Political Situation

PolitInfo.com, Germany
Dec 21 2004

A U.S.-based pro-democracy group has blasted recent political
developments in Russia, saying the country is moving toward
authoritarian rule.

In its annual global survey, Freedom House said it now classifies
Russia as “not free” amid restricted political rights and civil
liberties.

It said a growing trend exists under Russian President Vladimir Putin
to concentrate political authority, harass the media, and politicize
the country’s law enforcement system.

The group says the changes mark what it calls a dangerous and
disturbing trend toward authoritarianism in Russia.

In its survey, Freedom House gave the lowest possible score for
political rights and civil liberties to Burma, Chechnya, Cuba, Libya,
North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tibet and Turkmenistan.

It accused Armenia of increasingly unresponsive and undemocratic rule
and said Belarus remained Europe’s least free country.

The group did note positive political developments in Ukraine and
Georgia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress