I’ve never been able to closely follow Russian politics, lacking the languages and proper appreciation of their history as I do. But one thing I’m fairly sure of: Russia today is a perfect model for the study of when the Thugs are In Charge:

Slander Could Be Deemed Extremist

By Oksana Yablokova and Anatoly Medetsky
Staff Writers
The State Duma will soon vote on a bill that would allow courts to shut down parties and news organizations for slandering government officials or threatening possible mass protests, deputies said Thursday.

The Duma’s leadership decided Thursday to send the bill — which includes amendments to expand the list of punishable crimes under the anti-extremism law — to the president and the Cabinet for a review, Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov said.  Read more