Russia: Bill on non-profit organizations threat to freedom of assembly

The Government has introduced a draft law, purportedly aimed at the prevention of terrorist activities, which would create strict control over and compulsory registration of NGOs. The law has been criticized by human rights organizations as an attempt to weaken the NGO sector in Russia, and by the Council of Europe for its disproportionate, adverse impact on freedom of association. President Putin has announced that the law will be revised and it is due for second reading on 21 December.