6 Jun 2012 12:09

Gorbachev believes president will not sign rallies law

MOSCOW. June 6 (Interfax) - Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev has sharply criticized the amendments toughening punishment for organizing unauthorized rallies passed by the State Duma, saying he hopes President Vladimir Putin will not sign this law.

"It's so arbitrary. I am confident that society will reject it," Gorbachev told Interfax on Wednesday commenting on the amendments passed by the State Duma.

"In addition, I think the president won't sign this law," he said.