ICC NOTE: When the Yarovaya laws were being debated in the Duma, some of the most ardent supporters of the Kremlin raised concern over the language of the latest “anti-terror” law. The Moscow Times is reporting the Russian people have begun protesting across the vast nation over the laws implementation. The law itself directly effects religion in general as it limits gatherings to registered locations only as well restricting evangelism to those who have gained proper government permits. Many church denominations present in Russia have vowed to remain despite the new requirements and limits on their activities. It is a sign of hope that the Russian people understand the broad and overreaching language that is the Yarovaya laws.

7/28/2016 Moscow, Russia (The Moscow Times) – Protests against repressive new anti-terror legislation have taken place in major cities across Russia.

Activists gathered on Tuesday to protest the “Yarovaya Package,” a series of hard-hitting anti-terrorism laws authored by ultra conservative United Russia deputy Irina Yarovaya. The bill was approved by president Vladimir Putin last month.

The legislation has drawn criticism from both ordinary Russians and human rights groups, with whistle-blower Edward Snowden describing the package as being “Big Brother laws.”

The laws tighten restrictions on Russian terror suspects, introduce harsher penalties for inciting or justifying terrorism online, and increase the number of crimes with which children aged between 14 and 17 can be charged.

Communications companies will also need to monitor the content of phone calls and messages and to keep them on file for six months. All messaging apps and internet services which use encryption will also be required to add additional code allowing access to the Russian security services.

The largest protest took place in Russia’s third largest city, Novosibirsk. The rally was attended by 200 people, local media reported.

Smaller demonstrations were held in five other provincial cities in Russia.

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