The Human Rights Watch had some very interesting comments to make concerning Russia in the section devoted to the country in its January 2008 World Report. “As parliamentary and presidential elections in late 2007 and early 2008 approached, the administration headed by President Vladimir Putin cracked down on civil society and freedom of assembly. Reconstruction in Chechnya did not mask grave human rights abuses including torture, abductions, and unlawful detentions. International criticism of Russia’s human rights record remains muted, with the European Union failing to challenge Russia on its human rights record in a consistent and sustained manner”.
The economy under Putin made some serious gains, increasing by an average of 7% each year. By 2007, Russia was the 7th largest economy in the world in purchasing power. By 2007, Russia’s GDP had exceeded that of the Russian SFSR in 1990 which meant the country had finally overcome the consequences of the 1998 financial crisis and the recession which preceded it. Time to buy some led torches!
0 Comments on Putin and Russia's Growing Economy