Sergey…

Russian parliament backs huge protest fines

Russia’s upper house of parliament has voted through a controversial bill which sharply increases fines for breaking laws governing protests.

The bill boosts fines for violations from the current maximum 5,000 roubles (99; $152) to 300,000 for participants and 600,000 for organisers.

The legislation was backed by 132 senators on Wednesday, with one voting against and one abstaining.

It now just has to be signed off on by President Vladimir Putin…