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Putin signs law banning 'extremists' from running in elections, on Navalny's birthday
CNN
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new law Friday banning individuals designated as "extremists" from running for public offices, a move condemned by the opposition as an effort to further limit political competition.
The new legislation was signed and posted on a government website on Friday, the day which also marks the birthday of jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny. The law prevents members of "extremist" or "terrorist" organizations from standing in elections for a period of three to five years, depending on the person's position. Founders and leaders of designated groups will not be able to run for elected office for five years after a court's decision to ban the group. Employees or financial supporters of court-ruled extremist and terrorist organizations will be banned from running for office for three years.
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