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Rice Criticizes Putin's Iron Fist

She meets with human rights activists in Russia, offers support

By Emily Roysdon, Newser User

Posted Oct 13, 2007 2:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – Condoleezza Rice criticized the "concentration of power" in the Kremlin today and pledged support to human rights activists, the BBC reported. In Russia for already-tense talks on a proposed missile defense shield, Rice also questioned the independence of the judiciary. One rights leader, however, said the stain of Guantanamo Bay and Abu-Ghraib brings accusations of the pot calling the kettle black.

Despite Rice’s warnings about eroding personal freedoms, polls show that most Russians back Vladimir Putin’s iron fist, Reuters says. The comments come as Western governments are increasingly criticizing the decline of democracy in Russia. Rice told the rights activists she wanted to help build institutions to counter-balance the Russian presidency but said she hadn’t discussed the issue with Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, shakes hands with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at presidential residence of Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow on Friday, Oct. 12, 2007. A chief concern for... (Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, left, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov seen at a news conference in Moscow, Friday, Oct. 12, 2007. President Vladimir Putin on Friday warned U.S. officials... (Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice presents flowers to a young figure skater as Russian Sports Minister Vyacheslav Fetisov, left, looks on in the CSKA ice arena in Moscow, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007.... (Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks during talks in Moscow, Friday, Oct. 12, 2007. In a tense start to talks on a range of thorny issues, President Vladimir Putin on Friday warned U.S. officials... (Associated Press)

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice seen at a news conference in Moscow, Friday, Oct. 12, 2007. President Vladimir Putin on Friday warned U.S. officials to back off a plan to install missile defenses... (Associated Press)

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Rice Criticizes Putin's Iron Fist

She meets with human rights activists in Russia, offers support

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All Signs Point to Runaway Election Fraud in Russia

Analysis shows 100% turnout in many districts, indicates ballot-stuffing

Medvedev Rips 'Provocateurs, Extremists'

President offers some reforms, but opposition says not enough

Putin's Party Walloped in Russian Vote

May lose majority in parliament

Putin Officially Running for Prez

United Russia party nominates him to run in March elections

Tyrant Putin's Return Bad News

He's made Russian elections a farce

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Rice Criticizes Putin's Iron Fist

She meets with human rights activists in Russia, offers support

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related Links

human rights • Condoleezza Rice • Vladimir Putin • Russian democracy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

All Signs Point to Runaway Election Fraud in Russia

Analysis shows 100% turnout in many districts, indicates ballot-stuffing

Medvedev Rips 'Provocateurs, Extremists'

President offers some reforms, but opposition says not enough

Putin's Party Walloped in Russian Vote

May lose majority in parliament

Putin Officially Running for Prez

United Russia party nominates him to run in March elections

Tyrant Putin's Return Bad News

He's made Russian elections a farce

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?