Support The Moscow Times!

Controversial Anti-Terrorism Laws Approved by Russian Duma

United Russia party member Irina Yarovaya

A controversial series of hard-hitting anti-terrorism laws was passed Friday by the Russian State Duma.

The changes to existing legislation will tighten restrictions on Russians suspected of committing terrorist and extremist activities.

Ultraconservative United Russia lawmaker Irina Yarovaya submitted the bills alongside Federation Council member Viktor Ozerov.

The proposals are wide-ranging and include harsher penalties for inciting or justifying terrorism online, requiring parcels to be checked for illegal items and increasing the number of crimes with which children aged between 14 and 17 can be charged.

Communications companies will also see a crackdown, with the new laws requiring them to monitor the content of phone calls and messages and to keep them on file for six months. All messaging apps which use encryption will also be required to add additional code allowing access to the Russian security services.

Several changes were made to the amendments during the second reading. Changes included removing potential travel bans and legislation permitting authorities to revoke dual nationals' Russian citizenship for several “extremist crimes,” including “inciting hatred” under Russia's controversial Article 282.

The amendments must now be signed into law by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more