Russia targets pollster for 'political activity'

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s only independent polling agency said Monday it may have to close after prosecutors targeted it for “political activity” under a law spearheading President Vladimir Putin’s crackdown on civil society.

Levada Center published a letter, dated last week, from prosecutors who said its polls and publications are “aimed at shaping public opinion on government policy” and demanded it cease publication until it registers as a “foreign agent” under a law passed last year.