Word: parliament
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...startling question, but not all that far-fetched. Russian democracy, chaotically vibrant just a decade ago, is looking increasingly fragile as checks and balances to Kremlin power are dismantled. Regional governors and members of the upper house of parliament are no longer elected but appointed; no new political parties can exist or be started, unless endorsed by the Kremlin; it is no longer possible for independent candidates to stand in constituencies for election to the Duma. The continuing conflict in Chechnya has given rise to a slew of allegations about human-rights abuses. And there's a strong impression - real...
...over a scrappy, imperfect democratic flowering. Activists say that, since he took office in 2000, Putin has tried to bottle up the explosion of interest in human rights, free speech and democratic accountability that took place in the 1990s. Says Vladimir Ryzhkov, one of the few remaining independents in parliament: "The regime has achieved a state of total manipulation of the people." Most key media outlets, especially national television, are in the hands of the state or of Putin's close allies. In today's Russia, it is hard to find a newspaper that is truly independent and uncowed, which...
Vladimir Ryzhkov Independent member of the Russian parliament He knows his attempt to unite fractious democrats in a new liberal opposition party has failed, admits the politician, 40. Also, new rules "make it impossible to have a new political party registered, unless it is endorsed by the Kremlin," he says. He will probably lose his seat in the Duma in the next election because legislation has been introduced banning independent candidates. Still, he is proud of what he's accomplished. "Today, I'm a responsible statesman, and I do all I can to serve my constituency and my country. Tomorrow...
...killing as the latest blow to democracy and free speech, part of a steady erosion of civil liberties. Russian democracy was chaotically vibrant just a decade ago, after the collapse of communism in 1991. But these days it is looking fragile. New legislation annuls independent candidates for the Duma (parliament's lower house), and no political party can exist without the Kremlin's approval. Regional governors and members of the upper house of parliament are no longer elected but appointed. Most key national media are in the hands of state or state-controlled corporations, and Russian activists live in fear...
...Anyone who has spent time in the country's brand new parliament will recognize the scene. Sure, there aren't any horses in the House, but speakers are often jeered, shoved or pelted with water bottles. Those that stay standing, and manage to make their point, gain respect...