A package of “anti-terrorism” laws was adopted in the first reading

February 28, 2014 State Duma adopted in the first reading a package of bills aimed at combating terrorism.  

February 28, 2014 State The Duma of the Russian Federation adopted in the first reading a package of bills, consisting of a bill No. 428889-6 "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation (in terms of improving the fight against terrorism)", the draft law No. 428884-6 "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation for streamlining the exchange of information using information and telecommunication networks and draft law No. 428896-6 "On introducing amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation (in part tightening requirements for the transfer of electronic funds)". These documents were submitted to the Duma by a group of deputies representing all factions.

Recall that the first of these once again tightens punishment for terrorist activities and related crimes with her. In particular, for committing terrorist attacks and financing terrorism, the maximum sentence is increased up to life, and the minimum is 15 years. According to the bill, for all anti-terrorist articles of the Criminal Code, including art. 205.2 (propaganda or public justification of terrorism) and Art. 278 (forcible seizure of power or forcible retention of power, which is now wrongfully accused followers of the religious-political party Hizb ut-Tahrir) the punishment is not must be less than the minimum provided for in the relevant article and not can be softened. The powers of the FSB officers, who must get the right to personal search of citizens, their belongings and vehicles. Responsibility for anti-terrorism measures rests with regional authorities authorities.

The second bill introduces amendments to the laws on information and communications aimed at strengthening government control over the internet. It is supposed to impose on organizations " organizing the dissemination of information and (or) the exchange data between users "(that is, server owners), the obligation to notify Roskomnadzor of the beginning of its activities, as well as store data on all user actions during six months after the end of their activities and provide them law enforcement agencies in cases provided for by law. Behind failure to comply with these obligations, administrative sanctions are imposed - a fine from three to five thousand rubles for individuals and from 100 to 200 thousand rubles for organizations. It is intended to extend this scheme to foreign Internet resources available to Russian users.

Third Bill limits the transfer of anonymous payments within the country, with a complete ban anonymous transfers of funds from abroad. It is also additionally stipulated the need to control foreign funding of NGOs.

We repeat that these measures are us redundant. Suicide intimidation does not lead to tangible results. It is obvious that the state has leverage to fight terrorism and now, there is a need not for tougher measures, but for the effective use of existing funds, as well as finding solutions to social problems that give rise to terrorist activities.

Increasing surveillance of Internet essentially does not bring anything new compared to the current already on the territory of Russia by the SORM-2 network control system.

Tightening control over electronic finance will not allow you to fully track financial flows, including cash. With regard to foreign funding of NGOs, it and is now under the absolute control of the state.

On the other hand, new the levers of state control over the lives of citizens inevitably affect civil rights. In this case, the right to freedom of speech, privacy, economic activity. All these levers of course, can be applied not only to potential terrorists, but also to suppress any objectionable political movements. A new blow will be struck and victims of abuse of power wrongfully accused.

Sources

• Draft Law No. 428896-6 On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation (in terms of tightening requirements for electronic money transfers) // Website of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. February 28, 2014
• Draft Law No. 428884-6 On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation on the Issues of Streamlining the Exchange of Information Using Information and Telecommunication Networks // Website of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. February 28, 2014
• Draft Law No. 428889-6 On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation (Regarding Improvement in Countering Terrorism) // Website of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. February 28, 2014