"THE RIGHT TO KNOW" AS A CONDITION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEMOCRACY IN RUSSIA

Abstract

For any citizen «the right to know» is the right to a free access to information of public relevance that safeguards his real involvement in the life of the state. Accessible and complete information is a major characteristic feature of a democratic government, the chief mechanism for combating corruption and abuse of office within the bodies of power. It is high time that Russia not only adopted a comprehensive systemic law «on the right to know» but also ensured that this law become part and parcel of its citizens' daily practice.