Russia has an authoritarian Government, says Freedom House

In Freedom House report 2010 Russia, for the sixth time in a row, has been described as a not free country. China, Iran, Venezuela and some central Asian countries are among those who share this ranking.

Despite President Medvedev's promises to liberalise Russian society the freedom situation has worsened. The Freedom House report highlights different violations in Russia such as infringements of civil rights, the killing of journalists and other repressions of political opponents. The report concludes that the authoritarianism of the Russian regime has increased since 2008.