Russia’s parliament has approved a package of controversial amendments to its existing counterterrorism laws despite strong criticism from human rights activists, including the head of the Russian president’s rights council.
The amendments were passed last week by the State Duma, the parliament’s lower chamber, and on Wednesday by the Federation Council, the upper chamber.
President Vladimir Putin must sign the legislation in order for it to become law.
The amendments make it a criminal offense to incite unrest, armed rebellion and terrorism in mass media or online. They also require mobile phone companies and Internet service providers to store all telephone conversations, text …read more
Source: Voice of America
