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FSB Wants to Shut Down Sites at Will

Prosecutors may get to shut down web sites over extremism charges for an unlimited time if the State Duma passes new legislation drafted by the Federal Security Service, Vedomosti reported Friday.

Internet service providers will be obliged to shut down web sites within three days upon receiving a “motivated letter” from prosecutors, according to the draft.

Sites will be able to return online only after a court rules that they did not violate anti-extremism laws. Even if a web site wins its case, it may be kept offline for up to a month from the day it was suspended.

The FSB legislation is to be a part of a raft of amendments to the 1995 information law that is being prepared by the Communications and Press Ministry.

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