Putin allowed to be sent to a pre-trial detention center for “opposing the SVO”

The existence of the document became known from the materials of the Investigative Committee

The human rights project “First Department” reported the existence of a closed decision by Vladimir Putin dated March 8, 2022, which allows security forces to place people in isolation wards without trial or initiation of a criminal case for “ opposing the SVO .”

The existence of the document became known from the materials of the Investigative Committee (IC) of Russia, which considered a complaint about one of these detentions and found no violations. The president’s decision itself and the instructions related to it were not published in the public domain, human rights activists note.

In order not to miss new texts from “Layout”, subscribe to our telegram channel

Isolation without a criminal case

According to the Investigative Committee’s document, FSB officers sent a Russian citizen to an isolation ward, citing “the decision of the President of the Russian Federation dated 03/08/2022 on organizing the reception and placement of persons opposing the SVO.” However, no criminal case was initiated against the detainee.

The text states that such persons can be “transferred and placed” in institutions operating as pre-trial detention centers. Representatives of the Armed Forces, the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Federal Security Service are said to have the right to do this.

The Investigative Committee also referred to some “temporary instructions” regulating the procedure for detaining such persons. This document has also not been published.

It is unknown whether the President's decision and instructions are still in effect at this time.

Possible conflict with the Constitution

Human rights activists note that this practice contradicts Article 22 of the Russian Constitution, according to which deprivation of liberty is allowed only on the basis of a court decision.

From the document referred to by the First Department, it follows that for persons recognized as “opposing the SVO”, a special isolation regime may be applied, based on closed regulations.

Human rights activists also point out that similar practices were previously applied to those detained in the territories of Ukraine occupied by the Russian army, but now, judging by the documents, they can apply to all Russian citizens.

Previously, “Verstka” wrote about how Russians are massively given suspended sentences for crimes because of their participation in the “SVO.” Including articles on drug trafficking, rape and murder.

Illustration: “Layout”

Support “Vestka” - it’s important and safe →

You can support “Layout” from any country in the world - it is still safe and very important. We really need your support now