'Crippled' Police Bill Clears Final Reading

By Natalya Krainova

The majority United Russia party on Friday supported all the recommendations of the Duma's Security Committee, a decision that critics said effectively cripples a bill that the Kremlin introduced last year with much fanfare after public discussion.

Among the amendments discarded by the committee were measures to increase public and parliamentary control over the police and to ban the force from the private security market, where it is currently a key player.

United Russia Gets Right to Use Putin's Face

By Nikolaus von Twickel

United Russia heavily relies on its association with Putin and Medvedev, both of whom have steadfastly refused to become party members. Putin only in 2008 accepted the post of party chairman, while Medvedev has occasionally criticized it for stifling political competition.

Deputies 'Cheated' On Police Reform

By Alexander Bratersky

But lawmakers will also cull numerous crucial amendments proposed by minority parties, effectively crippling the bill that the Kremlin introduced last year with much fanfare after a public discussion.

The Duma's Security Committee on Thursday recommended dropping dozens of the 560 amendments submitted to the bill on police reform ahead of a general vote on Monday.

Just Russia Eyes Tiger Power

By Alexander Bratersky

“A tiger symbolizes might and power. This is a symbol that can help increase the party's popularity,” A Just Russia spokesman Dmitry Gudkov said by telephone Tuesday.

Gudkov said the Siberian tiger is one of several options under consideration, and the left-leaning, pro-Kremlin party would make a final decision at a summer conference. He did not identify other proposals.