|
Russia may ban 'disrespectful' foreigners
 Russia's State Duma Wednesday approved legislation to deny visas to foreigners who show disrespect for the country. The new measure, if passed by the upper house of parliament, would also deny visas to foreigners who are sick or use illegal drugs, the Moscow Times reported. Political analysts said the bill fell short of democratic norms and that President Vladimir Putin might reject it in an attempt to display his democratic credentials in the face of criticism about a rollback of free speech and human rights, the news paper said. Duma deputies passed the amendment to the law On Exit From the Russian Federation and Entry Into the Russian Federation in the first of three readings by a vote of 353 to 44 with six abstentions. The amendment said foreigners could be denied entry if they commit actions of a clearly disrespectful nature toward the Russian Federation or the federal organs of the government of the Russian Federation.Posted by: tipper 2005-01-13 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=53587 |