Vladimir Kolokoltsev

Vladimir Kolokoltsev was cited by Kommersant as urging an end to the "indulgence" of protestors at illegal demonstrations. He also said fines of 500 roubles ($16) were insufficient to deter both the organizers and participants of such rallies.

Kolokoltsev pointed out that sanctions for similar offenses are much stricter in many other countries. In France, he said, protestors at unsanctioned rallies can face up to three years behind bars, whereas in Germany fines can be half the average monthly salary.

His proposal was criticized by members of the opposition and rights activists.

The Moscow Helsinki human rights group head, Lyudmila Alexeyeva, 82, noted that during 13 years of living in the United States she had never seen a peaceful demonstration broken up. She also said that in Europe only those who "break shop windows and turn over cars are severely punished."

Sergei Udaltsov of the Left Front opposition group said if Kolokoltsev's proposal became law, "We will all be jailed for years."

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin recently said police were right to come down strongly on protestors at illegal rallies. However, he later said that they should also exercise more caution when doing so.

The opposition movement stages "unsanctioned" March of Dissent rallies on the last day of each month with 31 days in honor of Article 31 of the Russian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.

The organizers of the protests have consistently been refused permission to gather at downtown Moscow's Triumfalnaya Square and have rejected offers of alternative sites. The unsanctioned rallies often end in clashes with police.

RIA Novosti