Citizens who “disobey a legitimate order” from an FSB agent would face up to 15 days in prison, according to the bill, Reuters.com writes.
The bill was passed in the first of three required readings in the Duma on Friday. Only the faction of the ruling United Russia party voted for the bill. All others opposed it, according to ITAR-TASS.
Rights groups say the proposed regulations could be used to detain opposition activists and independent journalists and undermines President Dmitry Medvedev’s promises to foster civil rights.
- “Warning” may sound harmless, but in Russia it can have serious consequences, says Head of the Moscow branch of Human Rights Watch Allison Gill. – This [bill] means that the FSB’s power get considerably strengthened.
For the new law to become effective, it has to be approved in three hearings in the State Duma, be supported by the Federation Council and signed by the president.
