Protest rally of the Russian opposition demanding to allow independent candidates for the elections. Moscow, Russia. 20 July 2019. Editorial credit:  KOZYREV OLEG / Shutterstock.com

Russia

Power in Russia’s authoritarian political system is concentrated in the hands of President Vladimir Putin. With loyalist security forces, a subservient judiciary, a controlled media environment, and a legislature consisting of a ruling party and pliable opposition factions, the Kremlin manipulates elections and suppresses genuine dissent. Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022, with the government curtailing rights and individual liberties even further to stifle domestic dissent.

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — Russia Country Report

Russia is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2023 , Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.

Ukraine photograph photo auction by anastasiia lukavska

Nations in Transit — Russia Country Report

Categorized as a Consolidated Authoritarian regime, Russia receives a Democracy Percentage of 5 out of 100 in the Nations in Transit 2022 report.

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Freedom on the Net— Russia Country Report

Russia is rated Not Free in Freedom on the Net , Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.