The Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree banning political protests during the Winter Olympic Games scheduled in the Russian resort of Sochi in February 2014.
The state-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta which published the decree, Friday, mentioned that the decree, which applies to the period between 7 January to 21 March 2014, prohibits demonstrations during the Olympics.
Kremlin officials said the decree strengthens security measures for the Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Russia will host both events between 7 February and 23 February 2014.
The right to demonstrate in Russia is restricted as any demonstration needs a prior approval from the authorities.
