Russia Breaks The Bones Of Democracy
Democracy thrives with a free press, a legislative branch separate from the executive and an independent judiciary. These bones of democracy are being fractured in Russia as the country slides ever closer to becoming a state micromanaged by President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin.

The latest assault is on the judiciary. A proposed law would emasculate defense attorneys with the elimination of attorney-client privilege. The law would also place the Russian bar association under the control of the Russian Department of Justice. The Department of Justice, which drew up the law, wants to ensure that Russia maintains its estimated 99-percent criminal-conviction rate. Putin has boldly worked to reduce any threat to his authority. He has squashed all independent television networks, made Russia's governors appointed positions and proposed eliminating independent candidates for the State Duma — the lower house of Parliament.

The appearance of a democratic government was again bruised when one of Putin's only serious political challengers was arrested and charged with tax evasion. Oil baron Mikhail Khodorkovsky found himself convicted and received a nine-year sentence.

This "power vertical" that Putin has created points Russia away from legitimate relations with Western nations and aligns it with governments not concerned about citizens but about preserving control.

While rampant corruption has touched almost every aspect of Russian life, the courts included, the attack on the judicial system should be troubling for Russians. A defense attorney serves as an advocate. With that safety valve gone, the accused are most certain to be convicted without being heard.

Debate and democratic growth are denied when so much power flows from one direction. If Russia truly wants to evolve from its totalitarian Soviet past, it must create a society where Russians can rely on a free press, elect an independent legislative branch and have the right to a vigorous defense when accused of a crime.