TODAY: Luzhkov takes ‘democratic’ stance in new movement; United Russia’s election plans; Kasparov to consider joining new opposition coalition; Viktor Bout trial stalls; cigarette adverts to be banned; Russia cracks down on artistic expression

Ex-mayor Yuri Luzhkov has made some improbable pro-democratic claims in an interview with the New Times, his first since being dismissed, and has complained that ‘our society has degenerated, degenerated quite seriously in all spheres’.  One of the former mayor’s deputies, Alexander Ryabinin, may be indicted on bribery charges today, according to a spokesman for the Russian Investigative Committee.  A spokesman for Inteko, run by the wife of the ousted politician, Yelena Baturina, has said the property billionaire will continue working in Russia and continue to pursue litigation against media outlets that circulate ‘false’ reports.