Human Rights Watch pours scorn on Russia

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Russia’s recent rights record is worse that at any time since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Brandishing the NGO’s most recent annual report at a press conference in Moscow, HRW Deputy Director Rachel Denber reserved her harshest words for the period since Putin returned to power.

But she said Russia’s decline started long before that:

“For a decade since the so-called “colour revolutions” in neighbouring countries, the Russian authorities have been attempting to marginalise, demonise, and discredit opposition politicians, human rights activists, civil society organisations,” Denber said.

Putin’s presidential comeback has been marred by a series of opposition protests against policies that many see as detrimental to human rights.

Grievances include the arrest of members of rock group “Pussy Riot” for staging a protest at a Moscow cathedral and a new law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality.

HRW: The Day After

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