The US State Department published a report on the human rights situation in Russia in 2011

On May 24, 2012, the US State Department published its annual report on the human rights situation in Russia. Analysts of the department also drew attention to the problems of Russian society, which are covered by the SOVA center. Thus, the State Department noted that, despite the activity of law enforcement agencies and the courts, Russia still has a high level of hate crime, as well as racist propaganda. The nationalistic statements of Russian officials were not left without attention either.

American officials expressed concern about the situation with freedom of speech in Russia. The banning of printed materials and Internet publications for extremism and the seizure of circulation under the pretext of testing for extremism were mentioned as a tool to restrict freedom of speech and leverage on political opponents. The State Department regarded the numerous facts of site blocking without a court order as an alarming sign, as well as various recent legislative initiatives aimed at expanding state control over the Internet.

State Department analysts dwelled in detail on the problems of the Russian judicial system, whose dependence on the authorities generates a large number of abuses.

The State Department also noted the facts of illegal actions of Russian law enforcement agencies, including centers for countering extremism.

Sources

• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011. Russia // US Department of State. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. 2012.