Putin proposes eliminating requirement that Russia notify Council of Europe about martial law or states of emergency

Vladimir Putin has submitted a draft law to the Russian State Duma that would eliminate the requirement for Russia to notify the Council of Europe’s Secretary-General when it imposes or lifts martial law or a state of emergency.

Under existing law, Russia is required to notify both the Secretary-Generals of the UN and the Council of Europe when it deviates from its obligations under international treaties by restricting the rights and freedoms of Russians. The requirement is in line with the European Convention on Human Rights.

An explanatory note attached to the draft legislation says that the measure is appropriate because “as of March 16, 2022, the Convention in question ceased to apply to the Russian Federation, as did the protocols ratified by Russia.”