Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signalled a partial retreat from a bill on non-governmental organizations (NGO) that critics portrayed as a bid by Russian officials to clamp down on Western influence.
In a written statement, the Russian presidential administration said that the bill -- already passed at its first reading by the lower house of parliament, the Duma -- would have to be substantially rewritten.
"The aims of the project deserve support but the mechanisms presented for its realization should be more in line with the working principles of civil society," the statement said.
"The project needs significant additional work," read the statement, proposing changes for consideration by the Duma.
The statement came after Putin telegraphed a likely retreat earlier this week, when he called on his administration to make new suggestions in the light of criticism by the Council of Europe, Russian NGOs and the US.
Pioneered by organizations such as the Memorial human rights group, Russia's NGO community has been a counterbalance to the power of Soviet-minded officials and a vital crutch for Russia's failing social-welfare system, advocates say.
Ranging from children's charities to neighborhood associations, homeless shelters to consumer groups, NGOs now number around 70,000 in Russia.
Campaigners say such groups remain vulnerable to raids by the security forces as well as official accusations that they act as "fronts" for foreign-backed religious and political extremist organizations.
The Council of Europe earlier this month said "the powers of the supervisory authorities appear to be too extensive" over Russian NGOs and some of the measures "might unduly restrict their freedom of association."
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