Russian president signs law on protests

Russia's president, Dmitry Medvedev, has signed off on a revised law
on demonstrations, RIA Novosti reports.

Amendments to the law, approved by both houses of parliament this
fall, will prohibit people charged with administrative offences from
organizing rallies. Many activists face administrative charges after
organizing or attending unsanctioned protests.

The law will also require that requests to stage a rally be submitted
no later than three working days before the proposed event.

Requests should specify whether vehicles will be involved. There has
been rising public anger over the disregard for traffic rules by VIP
cars with flashing blue lights, known as migalki.