Vladimir Kara-Murza: Russia’s parliament ends term with more repression
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addresses deputies during a session of the State Duma, Russia's lower chamber of Parliament, in Moscow on June 15, 2016.
Last week, the Russian State Duma of the sixth convocation held its last plenary session, breaking up ahead of the September 18 parliamentary election. The end of this legislature was fitting: its very last act was to adopt a draconian package introduced by United Russia lawmaker Irina Yarovaya that lowered the age of criminal responsibility for some offenses - including "mass disturbances" (Kremlin speak for street demonstrations) and failure to report a crime - to fourteen, and required cellular and internet providers to help security services with deciphering all messaging applications.
