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 INFORMATION FOR THE MEDIA

September 23, 2005

Samara, Russia

Progressive Youth Union OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE LAW THAT SHOULD LIMIT FREEDOM

OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH

At present the deputies of Samara Regional Duma (Parliament) consider the legislative initiative, introduced by the regional Ministry of Culture and Youth Politics, that should change the regional administrative law and introduce penalties for presence of persons under 14 years old without their parents at public places at night time.

Democratic Movement "Progressive Youth Union" considers this initiative pointless, repressive and unlawful. We suppose this bill is in conflict with the Russian Constitution, federal and international law, human and children rights. Moreover, we believe it is a retrograde remnant of the Soviet Past. We are sure that any limitation of citizens’ freedom and introduction of penalties simply cannot reduce crime rates, drugs or alcohol abuse and other antisocial effects in this field. These social problems should be solved with specially developed target programs, efficient work of governmental authorities responsible for children and youth as well as the improvement of social and economic conditions of life, education and family well-being of the citizens.

We appeal to the regional parliament members with the suggestion to reject the bill in the first and further readings. We will consider the pass of this bill as an act of populism, which will show that government is unable to carry out its policies dealing with children and youth affairs efficiently and with adequate means.

Press-service of the Union