In the memory of Alexander Bovin
Grigory Yavlinsky, www.yavlinsky.ru, April 30, 2004
The life and fate of Alexander Bovin demonstrate that it is impossible to teach man to be free - you can only be born free. He lived the life of a free man and no public or professional conventions could impede him.

Russian HR Ombudsman Voices Concern Over Protests in Prisons
MosNews.com, April 28, 2004
Russian Human Rights Commissioner, Vladimir Lukin, sent telegrams to the Prosecutor General, Minister of Justice and Prosecutor of Chelyabinsk region in Urals, calling on them to investigate the situation in local prisons.

Russian Journalists: "Inner Slave" Restricting Press Freedom
MosNews.com, April 29, 2004
The U.S.-based human rights organization Freedom Watch released a study document on the decline in press freedom in many countries including Russia in 2003. According to the study, after being downgraded from Partly Free to Not be Free in 2002, Russia continued on its course of restricting press freedoms.

YABLOKO'S Chance, The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service is "monopolized" by the YABLOKO party
Vedomosti, April 29, 2004
According to Artemyev, the newly-formed team will implementYABLOKO's ideas about the anti-monopoly policy of the state. He claims that he had informed the President of his intentions at a personal meeting, and that the President did not object.

Human Rights - new

Russian human rights group wins U.N. refugee award
Reuters, April 30, 2004
"It has carried out its work in often very difficult situations -- including in the North Caucasus -- and has earned the respect of all of us in the international humanitarian community."

Liberals but No Hemp Lovers on May 1
By Oksana Yablokova, The Moscow Times, April 30, 2004
Yabloko will be joined by members and supporters of the Union of Right Forces party, the Committee 2008: Free Choice movement, Greenpeace, and the human rights organizations Moscow Helsinki Group, Soldiers' Mothers and others, Yabloko spokeswoman Yevgenia Dillendorf said.

Papers Say EU Deal Is Victory for Russia
By Alex Fak and Simon Saradzhyan, The Moscow Times, April 29, 2004
Arbatov said that while sharing positions on the seriousness of threats such as terrorism and proliferation, the two sides have not advanced far in practical cooperation. In part, the lack of cooperation is rooted in Europe's failure to develop its own military and security capacity in the form of a rapid deployment corps independent of NATO, he said.

Democratic Party YABLOKO and a number of public organisations will hold the action "The Civil Society - against a Police State" on May 1, 2004 in Moscow and in other cities.

The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO, Bureau of the Federal Council, April 29, 2004

Protesters will meet at 11:30 a.m. near the Chistiye Prudy metro. The beginning of procession - at 12.00. The column will march from the Chistiye Prudy metro along Myasnitskaya street to Lubyanka square and conduct a meeting there by the Solovetsky Stone at 12.30.

The Moscow Mayor's Office gives the go-ahead to democratic march and meeting on May 1
Press release, April 27, 2004
On Tuesday, April 27, 2004, the Moscow Mayor's Office authorised the holding in Moscow of a democratic march and a meeting under the slogan "Civil Society Against a Police State" on May 1, 2004.

Russia's New Ombudsman Reports More Abuses in Chechnya
MosNews.com, April 26, 2004
"But there is a worry that there are new types of rights abuses on both sides, and on a third side, by which I mean units under Chechen President (Akhmad) Kadyrov," Lukin said. "These abuses are more specific in nature and difficult to verify from Moscow."

Ecologists call on Minister Khristenko to abolish imports of nuclear waste into Russia
IA MiK, April 23, 2004
On April 22, 2004, the "Ecozaschita" (Ecoprotection) group conducted an anti-nuclear action timed to coincide with the 18th anniversary of the largest technogenic disaster in the history of mankind - the disaster at Chernobyl nuclear power station. One person was detained.

The Victim Is Right Now
By Vladimir Lukin, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, April 13, 2004
The rights of the victims, including the right to obtain legal aid, are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and are recognised under universal principles and norms of the international law.

Lukin Does Not Want to Begin with "Horrors"
By Kira Latukhina, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, April 9, 2004
I agree that workers of the interior should be paid a dignified wage. But this is only one of many factors. They should also have self-respect and a legal culture. Then the citizens would look at them differently and follow their example.

Ombudsman Will Help the Novoye Vremya Magazine
Korpunkt.ru, March 25, 2004
"I aim to do all I can to ensure that this magazine which is the face of Moscow is published again."

People/Boris Vishnevsky - updated

Yavlinsky thinks that liberal reforms have not been conducted in Russia yet
special for www.yalvinsky.ru, April 22, 2004
There has been no modern, serious, systematic liberal approach to the Russian reforms for the past ten years, stated Yavlinsky.

Yavlinsky represents Russia in international conferences
special for www.yalvinsky.ru, April 23, 2004
On April 23-25, 2004, Griogry Yavlinsky will participate in the conference conducted by the Ditchley Foundation, and international non-profit organisation, and devoted to Russia Russia as a Stable and Flourishing Partner.
On April 27-30, 2004, Yavlinsky is invited to make a speech at the European annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

The Civil Union of Vladimir began its work in Vladimir
Press release, April 24, 2004
A new public organisation - the Civil Union of Vladimir was established in Vladimir. The founders of the union are regional branches of two parties – the Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO and the Union of Right-Wing Forces (SPS).

What the President Is Going To Say in His State of the Nation Address
The Moscow News, No 15, 2004
Mikhail Zadornov, deputy of the State Duma: I am looking forward to promulgation not only of plans for the next year but also of a four-year program. I believe that the main highlights of this state-of-the-nation address will be tax reform, social policy innovations, and mortgage programs.

Europe Prepared to Sign Interim Agreement with Russia on Visa-Free Regime
Rosbalt, April 23, 2004
The European Commission president emphasized that the transition to a visa-free regime in the long term would give 'practical confirmation of the devotion of both sides to the creation of a Europe without borders.'

Cooperation With U.S. Called Key to Fighting Terror
By Simon Saradzhyan, The Moscow Times, April 23, 2004
Russia and the United States need to institutionalize their efforts to disrupt agents of international terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction before they link up to carry out attacks of catastrophic proportions, top security analysts from both countries said Thursday.

200 Thinkers Ponder Russia's Path
By Caroline McGregor, The Moscow Times, April 23, 2004
Some 200 thinkers from both sides of the Atlantic gathered in Moscow on Thursday to discuss the last 10 years of Russia's relationship with democracy, asking how far Russia has come and how far it has yet to go.

There Can Be No Good and Bad Guys Among Terrorists
Interview with Alexei Arbatov by Tamara Zamyatina, Echo Planeti, No 14, 2004
In general, and I am stressing it once again, Israel was right to liquidate Ahmed Yasin. My only criticism is that they should have done this much earlier.

New website Civil Society Against a Police State opened in the Russian segment of the Internet
April 19, 2004

The website contains information on the democratic march to take place on May 1, the addresses of the participants of the march and the meeting to the public, all other documents and links for feedback with the coordinator of the project, as well as the guest book. There is also a website search option www.soprotivlenie.info

Flogging a Worn-Out Nag
By Andrei Piontkovsky, The Moscow Times, April 19, 2004
The myth of a struggle between so-called liberals and siloviki within the presidential administration has proven surprisingly durable. In fact, moral and political unity reigns among the political elite.

Grigory Yavlinsky: The ban of the First of May march is symptomatic
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky by Marina Gvozdevskaya, BBC, April 9, 2004
"...And this is connected with the fact that the action was announced as "Civil Society Against a Police State," and it was banned because it was stated in such an open and clear way."

It is time to protect the Constitution
The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO, Appeal to Russia's independent public organisations, April 2, 2004
Freedom of assembly is one of the first victories of the Russian democracy. At present we can be deprived of this our conquest. The authorities have already done away with the independence of the large mass media and discredited the institution of free elections.

On the democratic march of May 1, 2004
Press-Service of the Moscow branch of YABLOKO, April 12, 2004
On April 9, 2004, the Moscow Mayor's Office refused an appeal from the Democratic Party YABLOKO and a number of public organisations to hold a march on May 1, 2004, under the slogan "Civil Society Against a Police State." The formal grounds for the refusal stated that the documents had been incorrectly drafted.

On the attempt of derangement of the elections in the Shatura District, Moscow region
The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO, Bureau of the Federal Council, Statement, April 16, 2004
The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO expresses its categorical protest against canceling the elections of the head of the administration of Shatura District, Moscow region.

The State and Television
By Yevgeni Kiselyov, Editor-in-Chief of Moskovskiye Novosti (Moscow News) weekly, MosNews.com, April 16, 2004
Three years ago, when many of my friends and I said that developments at NTV represented the start of an attack on democratic rights and freedoms, including freedom of the press, nobody believed us. We were mocked, sometimes very crudely and cynically.

Democracy and Barricades: History Repeats Itself
IA MiK, April 14, 2004
...Meanwhile, another application on conducting a democratic march and signed by the leader of the Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO Grigory Yavlinsky, Chairperson of the Moscow Helsinki Group Ludmila Alexeeva and Chairperson of the Committee of Soldiers' Mothers of Russia Valentina Melnikova was submitted to the Moscow Mayor's Office on April 12, 2004.

The Moscow Mayor's Office refused the application from Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO and a number of public organisations to hold a meeting on May 1, 2004
Press release, April 9, 2004
In addition to YABLOKO, the following organisations planned to participate in the action: the Committee-2008, the Union of Right-Wing Forces (SPS), the Moscow Helsinki Group, the movements "For Human Rights," "Common Action", the Committee of Soldiers' Mothers, as well as a number of environmental organisations and independent trade unions.

YABLOKO Forbidden from Holding Meetings in Moscow
RIA "OREANDA", April 9, 2004
On 1 May participants in the action planned to march along Myasnitskaya Street up to Lubyanka Square and hold a meeting on the square near the Solovetsky Stone. About 6,000 people planned to take part.

Moscow Mayor's Office turns down YABLOKO's application to organize a demonstration
By Konstantin Demchenko, Russkiy Kurier, No 75, p.1, April 10, 2004
Yesterday the Moscow Mayor's Office refused the request of leaders of the YABLOKO party to allow them to organize a demonstration and a rally on May 1. The demonstration was to take place under the slogan: "Civil society against a police state".

Putin Criticizes Draft Law Limiting Freedom of Assembly
MosNews, April 12, 2004
Putin called the restrictions on the freedom of assembly "unwholesome". He said that "in terms of our reality", the right to hold demonstrations and processions should not be limited, the agency reported.

President Condemns Protest Bill
Combined Reports, The Moscow Times, April 13, 2004
Putin is sensitive about his democratic image after being criticized by the opposition and some Western governments for dominating the state-run airwaves in the run-up to his landslide re-election March 14.

YABLOKO as a member of Liberal International - updated

Grigory Yavlinsky wins Prize for Freedom 2004
Liberal International, Awarded Freedom Prizes, 2004
This years Liberal International Prize for Freedom has been awarded to Grigory Yavlinsky, head of the Russian Democratic Party Yabloko, for his defence of liberal democracy and market economics in both the USSR and the Russian Federation.

Freedom of Assembly - new

Siberian Court Rejects Vote Complaint
The Moscow Times, April 15, 2004
A Krasnoyarsk court Tuesday rejected a complaint from the liberal Yabloko party to invalidate the result of the Duma vote in three Krasnoyarsk single-mandate districts.

Duma Deputies' Perks Under Attack
By Francesca Mereu, The Moscow Times, April 13, 2004
State Duma deputies take home a paycheck of $600 a month, but with perks like free housing, unlimited domestic air travel and long-distance calls their salary packages are worth closer to $50,000 a year.

Famous Russian HR Activist Dies
MosNews, April 9, 2004
Famous Russian human rights activist Larissa Bogoraz died in Moscow on Tuesday. She was 74.

I Am Back Where I Belong
By Yevgenia Albats, The Moscow Times, April 12, 2004
The State Duma has given initial approval to a bill that would severely restrict the right of assembly. Shortly after the Duma vote, the Moscow city government denied the Yabloko party a permit for a May Day demonstration in downtown Moscow. And finally, the Moscow City Court convicted arms control researcher Igor Sutyagin of treason and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

Grigory Yavlinsky: Growth without Development
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky conducted by Nadezhda Petrova, Russkiy Fokus, April 5-11, 2004
When the national leader says that Russia is a democracy working to create a competitive society, that is precisely what journalists will report in all the newspapers. Everyone will find it to their liking - Western leaders and Russia's liberal intelligentsia. Particularly the latter, since the intelligentsia is almost weeping in gratitude that the president is saying what they want to hear from him.

Committee-2008 to Stage Protest in Russia
RIA "OREANDA", April 5, 2004
At a meeting ended on Saturday night, 3 April, 2004, the Committee 2008: Free Choice decided to join the protest action "Civil Society -Against Police State", initiated by the YABLOKO party, a number of remedial and ecological organizations of Russia, - journalists were told by YABLOKO Deputy Chairman Sergei Mitrokhin.

YABLOKO to Propose Amendments to the Forestry Code
RIA "OREANDA", April 5, 2004
By and large, the RF Ministry of Natural Resources and the Russian Democratic Party "Yabloko" will cooperate on environment protection and efficient nature management.

"YABLOKO" Supporters Stage a Picket by the Duma
RIA "Novosti", March 31, 2004
Picketers were protesting against the draft law on rallies, meetings, demonstrations, processions and pickets, which the Duma will discuss in the first reading.

Grigory Yavlinsky: the goal of boosting votes for United Russia to 40% and probably of raising turnout, affected the results of the parliamentary elections
Interview with Grigory Yavlinsky conducted by Denis Babichenko, Itogi, March 30, 2004
In my opinion, despite all our documented arguments, the courts will reject everything and the people will only start to believe that it was pointless seeking honesty at the elections.

Press Conference with Russian Ombudsman Vladimir Lukin
RIA Novosti, March 25, 2004
My chief impression from one month of work is that in the country a serious and logical system should be established for out- of-court legal defense.

Duma Rethinks Ban on Protests
By Caroline McGregor, The Moscow Times, April 5, 2004
In the wake of "serious social resonance," the State Duma's United Russia majority backpedaled from outright support of a bill banning rallies in many public places Friday, just two days after voting in favor of it.

Yabloko Demonstrates Against Restrictions to Freedom of Assembly
MosNews, March 31, 2004
Activists of the Russian liberal party Yabloko held a protest rally near the building of the State Duma on Wednesday morning.

YABLOKO agrees with Khodorkovsky's view about the crisis in Russian liberalism
Ekho Moskvi, March 29, 2004
"Speaking in general, we have managed to open the door of the cage the Soviet people were kept in for so many years,"

Demonstrations near Embassies to be prohibited in Russia
pravda.ru, March 31, 2004
Demonstrations are addressed to the authorities. How will the authorities know about popular protests, if the demonstrations are held in residential areas?

Yabloko Accuses Government of Violating Constitution
Rosbalt, March 31, 2004
Yabloko says the government's new legislation on limiting public demonstrations violates the foundation of Russia's constitution and is aimed at eliminating civil rights which are guaranteed by Article 31 of the constitution.

Grigory Yavlinsky comments on the declaration by President Putin to fight against corruption
Anchor: Vladimir Baburin, Radio Liberty, March 25, 2004
If there is no public control, if there are no public organisations such as trade unions, political parties, different citizens' associations, if we have a one-party parliament which also belongs to the same party of power, in these conditions we can do nothing to fight corruption.

On the Situation in Kosovo
Declaration of the Ombudsman of the Russian Federation Vladimir Lukin, IA Regnum, March 23, 2004
Every time the lofty idea of protecting the rights of one people becomes the source of the violation of the rights of another people.

Russian Bill Curbing Mass Rallies Gains
By David Holley, Los Angeles Times, April 1, 2004
In a move that could push protests largely out of the public eye, Russia's lower house of parliament gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a law that would ban demonstrations from a wide range of places, including areas close to highways, government buildings and diplomatic missions.

The Indisputable Crisis of Russian Liberalism
By Mikhail Khodorkovsky, The Moscow Times, March 31, 2004
If someone had told me a year ago that the Union of Right Forces and Yabloko would fail to clear the five percent barrier in the State Duma elections, I would have had serious doubts about his competence as a political analyst and forecaster. Today the collapse of both parties is a reality.

Are Meetings a Thing of the Past?
Aleksei Levchenko, Rosbalt. Translated by Alex Anderson, Rosbalt, April 1, 2004
The Duma has adopted a very interesting new law. Deputies have decided to severely regulate public meetings, marches and pickets. After carefully reading it, critics of the new legislation have concluded that the right to hold any mass meeting will now be in question.

Duma Bill Sharply Restricts Rallies
By Caroline McGregor, The Moscow Times, April 1, 2004
As the United Russia majority in the State Duma gave preliminary approval to a bill outlawing protests near government buildings Wednesday, pro-democracy activists staged a rally outside the Duma's main entrance to insist on their right to do just that.