Putin promises to review Kremlin bills criticized as repressive
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Russia's President Vladimir Putin has signaled his readiness to review new bills seen by critics as part of the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent.
Putin promised at a meeting with the presidential rights council late Monday to have another look at a treason bill, which was passed by the Kremlin-controlled lower house last month. Critics said the bill is worded so vaguely that it would allow the government to brand any dissenter a traitor.
Current law describes high treason as espionage or other assistance to a foreign state damaging Russia's external security. The new bill expands it to include moves against Russia's "constitutional order, sovereignty and territorial and state integrity."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The bill, drafted by the Federal Security Service, the main KGB successor agency, also changes the interpretation of treason to include activities such as financial or consultative assistance to a foreign state or an international organization.
Putin agreed Monday that it's necessary to exclude a possibility of loose interpretation.
"Let's review it and think it over," Putin said. "I agree that there must be no room for a broad interpretation of treason. It must not refer to issues that have no relation to treason."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He also said there is no need to rush a much-criticized draft bill that makes it a criminal offence to insult religious feelings.
Putin's statements appeared to signal a softening of a tough line against dissent he has taken since inauguration for a third term in May.
A series of massive opposition protest following contested elections in Russia last year have posed the most serious challenge to Putin's rule.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Parliament has responded by passing a raft of laws aiming to curb dissent, and authorities have also arrested a number of opposition leaders and other activists, in an attempt to derail further protest.