Russia's+Freedom+Report

__**Freedom House Report: Russia **__


 * Civil liberties score: 5
 * Political rights score: 6
 * Status: not free

__Civil Liberties __ Though freedom of speech is guaranteed in the Russian constitution, the government has had either direct or indirect control over all national television networks since 2003. Currently, few radio stations offer different views from those of the government, and vague laws enacted against "extremism" make it possible for the state to restrict any media outlet which lacks government support. In addition, internet articles are often edited or manipulated by government officials, and at least 19 journalists have been murdered under Putin, with no charges filed against their killers. Religious freedom is allowed unfairly, and some government harassment to non-Orthodox groups takes place. Discussion of forefront research and academic concepts with foreigners is prohibited, and has resulted in several trials for treason. In regards to freedom of assembly, laws which allow the bureaucracy to determine which demonstrations are disruptive leads to many anti-Kremlin rallies being heavily suppressed, while pro-government demonstrations are left undisturbed. Also, the judicial branch is connected to the executive, and loopholes and corruption within the judiciary allows for trials to be revisited until the state's desired outcome is reached.

__ Political Rights __ Although the 1993 constitution established what appeared to be a democratic government, the current system no longer represents that model, and democracy is almost nonexistent. For example, many different regulations make it difficult for opposition parties to gain power, including registration and member minimums, high thresholds, and the illegality of coalitions. In addition, there is only a very small number of completely free media outlets remaining in the country. Furthermore, corruption in both business and government is obvious; despite Mevedev's attempted anti-corruption act in 2008, bribes are actually becoming more common. A police major posted on the Internet that some officers prosecuted innocent people in order to fill quotas, and subsequently the major was fired. Racial discrimination and harassment are also on the rise, by both the government and the society. Domestic violence and the difficult of gaining political power affect the lives of women in modern-day Russia.


 * Combined Average Rating: 5.5
 * Other countries with the same rating: Iraq and Rwanda