Human Rights Practices in Russia
U.S. Department of State 2012 Country Report
The Russian Federation has a highly centralized political system, with power increasingly concentrated in the president, and a weak multiparty political system. The bicameral Federal Assembly consists of a lower house (State Duma) and upper house (Federation Council). Presidential elections in March featured accusations of government interference and manipulation of the electoral process. Security forces generally reported to civilian authorities; however, in some areas of the Northern Caucasus, there were serious problems with civilian control. Restrictions of Civil Liberties Following increased mobilization of civil society and mass demonstrations in reaction to elections, the government introduced a series of measures…
