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Russia rights activists warn new treason law raises Stalinist specter

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] Russian civil rights activists Wednesday issued a statement warning that a proposed law that would change the definition of treason would allow the government to arrest any government critic. The proposed legislation extends the definition of treason to include damage to Russia's constitutional order, sovereignty, or territorial integrity. Rights activists including Moscow Helsinki Group leader Lyudmila Alexeyeva and Civic Assistance leader Svetlana Gannushkina, called the move a "terrible blow" and a repetition of the Stalin regime. They called on members of parliament to reject the bill and for President Dmitry Medvedev not to sign the bill, should it be passed. There has recently been a trend of increased government power in Russia. Last week, the Russian Duma approved a bill that would end jury trials on charges of terrorism and treason. In July 2007, then-President Vladimir Putin approved amendments to Russia's law against extremism. An international panel of jurists reported earlier that year that expanded Russian anti-terrorism laws were leading to human rights abuses. In 2006, Putin signed a bill giving Russian police and military broad authority to tap telephone conversations and control electronic communications in the vicinity of counter-terror operations, shoot down hijacked planes threatening public places or strategic facilities, and deal with the aftermath of terrorist attacks.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on December 17, 2008 (boomark / email).