TODAY: Moscow condemns new Syria massacre; Russia-backed Annan peace plan looks shaky; EU expresses worries over new protest fine bill; Kremlin Rights Council says hike in fines flouts constitution. US panel approves Magnitsky sanctions; Pussy Riot artist to face trial; Russia considers constraints on web use; Putin’s ethnic relations council

The Russian Foreign Ministry has called the latest massacre in Syria near the town of Hama a ‘vicious and despicable provocation aimed at hampering implementation of the Annan plan’.  Kofi Annan has urged the international community to ‘come together and act as one’ which the Independent describes as a ‘blunt message to Russia’, which continues to oppose intervention.  Moscow is apparently more favorable now to a Yemen-style transition, as long as the Syrian populace back it.  Russia continues to insist that Iran must be invited to a meeting of countries that have influence over Syria’s opposition groups and government despite a hostile reaction from the US.  The Economist considers why Russia’s Syrian strategy is a risky affair.