RUSSIA : Price Of Protest In Moscow...Soars.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2116557,00.html

     A new law that raises fines for protesters...by as much as 150-fold...has passed the Duma's upper chamber...and only needs President Putin's signature.
     Putin's party pushed thru the changes by 132 to 1...with little debate.

     The law will increase a formerly 2,000 ruble/$62 infraction...to 300,000 rubles/$9,240...a chilling new factor for citizens thinking about going into the streets.
    Illegal protest organizers could face fines of $30,000.
    Putin's lawmakers want the bill to be signed ahead of an announced Moscow protest next week.
    At least 20 protesters were detained outside the parliament while the law was being debated.