Statement by the YABLOKO party, 3.07.2015

The initiative of Russian MPs from all the factions of the State Duma grating the police exclusive rights in the use of force represents preparation for the suppression of civil protests by force and blood.

The right of the police to open fire in crowded places, shoot at women, the presumption of trust to police officers, the right to search citizens if there is a “reason to suspect”, the right to open vehicles for provision of safety during riots – all these measures will enable the police to finally break free from civil control and will open a path [for the police] to a possibility to commit crimes with impunity.

Given the level of public distrust in the police, multiple cases of abuses by the police, such initiatives undermine the foundations of national security and lead to a dangerous conflict between the society and the police.

At present there is no apparent need for the adoption of such measures. We can assume that on the threashold of the parliamentary and the presidential elections, and against the background of hunt for “foreign agents” and “undesirable organizations”, spymania and war hysteria, such measures will logically complete transformation of Russia into an Asian type totalitarian police state.

The YABLOKO party strongly opposes such measures and urges deputies of the State Duma to stop until it is too late.

Despite its fear of any manifestations of civil activity, the authorities should not forget that the tragedy of the Russian revolutions of the past century began with Bloody Sunday.

Sergei Mitrokhin,

YABLOKO Chairman