Russian Federation: Counter-terrorism law passes first reading

On 18 December 2004, the State Duma approved in the first reading the Draft Law on Countering Terrorism. The draft, which has also been reviewed by the Legal Expert Council, a group of leading Russian human rights lawyers, contains broad definitions of “terrorism“ and “terrorist threat“ and a range of special competencies, which are not clearly defined. The law foresees special legal regimes for terrorist threats and operations, under which the executive would have far-reaching powers affecting the right to privacy, freedom of expression, association, assembly and movement.

Expert Analysis (R) Expert Analysis (R) Draft Law (R)