Report: Critical state of freedom of speech
The Mass Media Defense Centre, Russia's leading human rights organization for media and journalist rights, has released its annual "Freedom of Speech – 2024" report.
With detailed analysis of new laws and statistics on media persecution, the report sheds light on the growing threats to free speech and independent journalism across the country.
REM summarizes the key findings of the report.
Election update X
Russia begins preparations for the Unified Voting Day and State Duma elections 2026.
Read our brief overview of key political trends and major electoral events of early 2025.
National republics against the vertical power structure
Kremlin is preparing a large-scale municipal reform, aiming to abolish tens of thousands of urban and rural settlements across Russia.
The initiative has faced criticism from the leadership of the affluent and populous republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, with State Duma Speaker Volodin effectively sabotaging its adoption.
This article explores why the Kremlin's municipal reform drew criticism from seemingly loyal regional politicians.
Read more … National republics against the vertical power structure