Czech initiative calls on Russian govt to enable free elections

The Friends of Free Russia Czech group, including some lawmakers, has called on the Russian government to end repressions of citizens and enable free elections and their control in connection with the approaching election to the State Duma, the Association for International Issues told CTK today. Some 20 lawmakers from the opposition Civic Democrats (ODS), Pirates, Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL), TOP 09 and Mayors and Independents (STAN) have signed this public appeal. The election to the State Duma (Russian parliament) is scheduled for September 17-19.