Statement by the Yabloko party, 14.05.2020

On 13 May, the Russian government introduced to the State Duma a package of amendments to the Law “On Police”, unreasonably expanding the powers of the police and threatening the rights of citizens. The Yabloko party considers the adoption of this bill unacceptable.

In particular, it is proposed to introduce a rule exempting a police officer from liability “for actions committed in the performance of duties assigned to the police and in connection with the exercise of the rights granted to the police”. The amendments grant police officers the right to open fire on citizens not during an attack, but in the case of actions regarded as a “threat of attack”. It is proposed to exempt the police from the obligation to introduce themselves and explain the claims and the reasons for the detention, “when it is necessary to immediately stop the crime”. Police are given the right to open cars, virtually, without any reason, as well as the right to cordon off or block territories, houses and buildings, and search citizens and their cars inside the cordon.

Earlier, the State Duma rejected the proposals of the Yabloko party on the mandatory installation of video surveillance cameras in police stations and in all places where legally significant police actions are being taken.

We are convinced that in this way the authorities are trying to limit the rights and freedoms of citizens by using the quarantine regime when public attention is diverted to the fight against the epidemic. Obviously, such changes are introduced in the context of the growing protest activity of citizens and are aimed at legitimization of forceful suppression of legitimate protests.

We believe that introduction of these norms will inevitably lead to the escalation of violence in our society and growth of citizens’ distrust of the law enforcement bodies and authorities.

The Yabloko party opposes the adoption of the package of amendments introduced by the government and insists on the maintenance of the presumption of innocence principle and safeguard of the rights and freedoms of citizens, their legitimate interests and respect for their dignity.

Nikolai Rybakov,

Yabloko Chairman