Putin backs increase in fines

MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin signaled his support Wednesday for a controversial bill working its way through Russia’s parliament that would increase fines 200fold for those taking part in unsanctioned protests.

The bill received preliminary approval Tuesday in the elected lower house, where the Kremlin’s United Russia Party holds a majority. All three of the other parties voted against it.

Observers’ reports of widespread fraud to boost results for United Russia in December’s parliamentary election set off mass street protests that were unprecedented in post-soviet Russia. The protests have evolved into regular rallies and, in Moscow, continuous Occupy-style demonstrations decrying Putin’s election to a third presidential term.

Opposition lawmakers have warned that the new fines will fuel broad outrage and destabilize Russia by depriving the public of a legal way to voice grievances.

The bill raises fines for joining unsanctioned rallies from the current maximum of 5,000 rubles ($160) to 1 million rubles ($32,250).

Putin defended the bill Wednesday.

“We must shield our people from radical actions,” he said in remarks broadcast from a meeting with United Russia members. “The society and the government have a right to protect themselves from this.”