Russia – further erosions of the rule of law through the fight against terrorism

The Duma is debating a counter-terrorism draft law, introducing the legal regime of a “terrorist threat”, “terrorist operation” and “general terrorism prevention”. The law extends the authority of the armed forces for internal security and allows restrictions of rights for up to 60 days in case of terrorist threats. The authority to introduce the regime of a terrorist threat would vest with the regional governor or the Prime Minister. The draft law further curtails independent media reporting during a “terrorist operation”. Other initiatives publicly announced by the General Prosecutor, and criticised by UN human rights experts, to allow the detention of relatives of hostage-takers have not been introduced to the Duma so far.