The World - News from Sept. 19, 1988

Soviet authorities, in a new hard-line decree, have made unauthorized demonstrating punishable by heavy fines and the organizers liable to labor camp terms. The unpublicized decree, adopted July 29, appeared in a small circulation bulletin and is seen as the latest in a series of measures aiming to curb public displays of dissent. Under the decree, people attending unauthorized demonstrations or meetings face fines of up to $500 or arrest for up to 15 days in “exceptional cases.” A second offense occurring within one year is punishable by a fine of up to $1,600, forced labor for up to two months or arrest for 15 days. Stiffer penalties were approved for organizers of demonstrations.