(Russia) - 'The regime is now officially positioning itself as a dictatorship.' - Yulia Galyamina

'(Moscow) – Dozens of journalists in Russia face fines or detention for peacefully protesting in solidarity with their colleagues whom authorities are criminally prosecuting for their journalism work, Human Rights Watch said today. Russian authorities should immediately drop the charges against the protesters and other journalists and end attacks on freedom of expression.'

- Human Rights Watch, Russia: Dozens of Journalists Detained for Peaceful Protests, July 10, 2020



' "What's happening now is different, because it's part of a formal state doctrine," Yulia Galyamina, an opposition politician who was targeted in one of the recent raids, told RFE/RL. "The regime is now officially positioning itself as a dictatorship."

..

"Russian authorities should immediately drop the charges against the protesters and other journalists and end attacks on freedom of expression," Human Rights Watch said in a statement condemning the arrests.'

- A Sweeping Clampdown In Russia Has Putin Critics Warning Of New Repressions, July 10, 2020



Context

EU Calls For Investigation Into Irregularities In 'Triumphant' Vote For Putin

'An unprecedented amount of fraud may have occurred during Russia’s weeklong vote to change the Constitution..' - '..Russia's 750,000-strong police force have openly challenged the authorities..'

'..Putin is unacceptable to the world..' - '..Stockholm now considers Russia to be the top threat to Swedish national security..' - 'Russia is still pouring heavy weapons into Ukraine..' - '..[use] all .. tools to help Ukraine..'