Russian Duma adopts package of laws that strengthen penalties for extremism and terrorism
On Friday, the Russian State Duma adopted a package of bills which increase the penalties for terrorism and extremism.
Earlier on Friday it was reported that the Russian government has given a positive response to the package of amendments to the Law on Combating Terrorism, which, in particular, proposes additional restrictions for travel of Russian citizens abroad.
The adoption of the law will mean that the authorities will have the right to prohibit the travel of Russian citizens abroad on the basis of suspicion of crimes of an extremist nature before the trial.
Human rights activists say the amendments violate the right to freedom of movement and the right to leave the country which is established in Article 27 of the Russian Constitution. In addition, they fear that the tightening of the fight against terrorism will lead to new political repression against the opposition.