Russian government approves harsh anti-tobacco ban for 2015

Russia has finally caught up with the rest of the world, and smokers now have a couple of years to give up the habit, before harsh anti-smoking legislation comes into effect during 2015.

Should this legislation pass, smoking will be prohibited in any public place, including restaurants and cafes.

Many efforts have been made in the past to impose smoking bans, without success. However, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has been persistent in pushing for this legislation. Addressing ministers after the discussion, he said, “This is a big problem and we are too careless about it.” .... read more and watch video.

Spain is accused of draconian plans to clamp down on protests

Spain is apparently planning draconian new laws against street protests by curbing the use of social networking, following recent strikes and protests by the unions against changes in the labor laws.

On Wednesday of this week, Jorge Fernandez Diaz, who is the Spanish Interior Minister announced in Congress that a reform of the penal code is being planned to criminalize the organizers of street protests that "seriously disturb the public peace".

The Telegraph reports that this announcement follows the events of March 29, when a major strike and protests occurred countrywide against changes to the labor laws of Spain. The strike was marred by clashes between police and protesters, who threw missiles at businesses including banks and in Barcelona, protesters vandalized the Barcelona Stock Exchange. A Starbucks café was burned during the protests when police started using tear gas and firing rubber bullets and the protests got out of control... read full article.