Human Rights in Putin's Russia
Thursday, May 20, 2004, 4:00 am
Witnesses
Ambassador Steven Pifer
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Garry Kasparov
Former World Chess Champion and Chairman
Committee 2008: Free Choice
Edward Lozansky
President
American University in Moscow and Russia House
Rev. Igor Nikitin
Chairman
Association of Christian Churches in Russia
Nickolai Butkevich
Research and Advocacy Director
Union of Councils for Jews in the Former Soviet Union
Since President Putin assumed office in 2000, human rights activists have charged that civil liberties and democratic development in Russia have been sacrificed to a "managed democracy" under the influence of both active and former officials of the security services.
Putin's tenure in office has been characterized by the demise of independent national broadcast media, election manipulations and a "spy mania" that has led to espionage charges against several Russian scientists and environment activists. Nevertheless, Putin has rejected parliamentary initiatives that would have further restricted freedom of the press and assembly.
Relevant Countries
Leadership