Russian government relentlessly reduced space for peaceful dissent, political opposition, and civic activism in Russia during 2018, Human Rights Watch said.
Russia articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Russia. Russia is not a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House, "limited political competition, assassination, and repression are used by dictator Vladimir Putin to maintain control". Also see our articles on Putin or on two of his public opponents Alexei Navalny and the punk band Pussy Riot.
Facebook Shuts Hundreds of Russia-Linked Pages and Accounts
Facebook shuts hundreds of Russia-linked pages, and accounts that it says were part of two big disinformation operations, in its effort to fight fake news.
Russia Increasing Pressure on Crimean Human Rights Lawyer
Since Russia’s occupation of Crimea, authorities have engaged in relentless persecution of Crimean Tatars and others critical of Russia.
2 Killed, 40 Detained in Latest Gay Purge in Chechnya
About 40 men and women have been detained on suspicion of being gay since December and reports say at least two of them have died of torture in detention.
Russians Mined Bitcoin To Fund Attacks Against U.S Vote
The United States Department of Justice indicted 12 Russian intelligence officers for conspiring to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential elections.
Israel Says it Can Foil Foreign Election Meddling Amid Scare
Israel’s internal security service says it was prepared to thwart any foreign intervention in the upcoming elections, as suspicions were made on Russia.
Campaigning Starts in Hard-to-Predict Ukrainian Presidential Race
A 90-day political campaign period has opened in Ukraine, where the incumbent hasn’t yet announced whether he plans to run in a March 31 election.
How Will Russia Change Constitution to Remove Putin Term Limits?
The speaker of Russia’s parliament raised the possibility of changing the constitution to allow Putin to remain in power beyond the end of his current term.
East Ukraine Conflict Human Rights Violations Continue Without End
As Ukraine enters its fifth winter of conflict, the United Nations says civilians continue to be victimized by widespread human rights violations and abuse.
Report Blames Russia, China and Iran for 2018 Election Meddling
U.S. intelligence community concluded Americans were subjected to ongoing influence operations and disinformation campaigns by Russia, China and Iran.