On September 17, voting began across Russia in parliamentary elections that will span three days. These contests are taking place against the backdrop of an unprecedented crackdown on opposition politicians, independent media outlets, and generally anyone who’s managed to rub the state authorities the wrong way. In this campaign of repression, various laws adopted by the State Duma (the very institution now up for grabs at the polls) have provided the key legal grounds for Russia’s expanded policing.
Meduza: How Russia’s Parliament speaks
Deputies, some wearing face masks to protect against the coronavirus disease, listen and sing the national anthem during the first plenary session of the State Duma's autumn session in Moscow on Sept. 15, 2020.
