State Duma of Russia allows FSB to shoot at women, children

The officers of the Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) may use firearms to shoot at crowds.

The State Duma passed the bill in the second, third and final reading at once, the Slon.Ru news portal reported Tuesday.

343 MPs voted “for”, two voted “against”, one abstained.

The bill amends the Law of the Russian Federation “On the Federal Security Service.” The bill proposes to give officers the power “to use firearms against crowds of people to prevent acts of terror, including taking hostages and armed attacks on governmental buildings.”

The FSB officers are allowed to shoot and apply special means against women, minors, and people with disabilities in the event of armed resistance, attacks, or act of terrorism.

The weapons may be used during the arrest of suspects for grave or especially grave crimes, offering armed resistance. The arms also may be used to prevent escape and stop a vehicle if a criminal intends to flee jeopardizing the life of citizens.

The FSB officers are also allowed to penetrate into the housing of other people to “ensure public safety during the riots and emergency situations.” However, they shall not be liable for damages.

The officers are allowed to receive and destroy biometric data, including fingerprints, of the people crossing the border if they have “signs indicating the possibility of being involved in terrorist activities.”

The Federal Security Service employees, their spouses, and minor children are banned from opening deposits abroad. The can post any information on the Internet only in the manner prescribed by the leadership.

As a reminder, about ten activists were picketing the building of the Federal Security Service in Moscow yesterday. On the Russian security agency workers’ day, they demanded to release activists Petr Pavlensky, Ildar Dadin, and Dmitry Buchenkov. Police detained all the action participants in two minutes. They were released after drawing up the protocols pursuant to the new law on rallies – repeated violation of the order of organizing or holding a public event. They face a fine or administrative arrest for up to 30 days.