Russia's upper house of parliament passed on Wednesday a controversial new law which sharply increases fines for unapproved rallies.

132 senators in the Federation Council voted in favor of the bill, one against, and one abstained.

The bill, which now requires President Vladimir Putin's signature to become law, boosts fines from the current 5,000 rubles ($152) to 300,000 rubles for participants and up 600,000 rubles for rally organizers.

It was approved in its third and final reading by the lower house on Tuesday.

Opposition lawmakers tried unsuccessfully to delay the vote on the bill in the State Duma, and rights activists have said it violates Russia's Constitution.