Russia’s State Duma passes first reading of bill allowing military to operate abroad to protect Russian citizens

Source: TASS

Russia’s State Duma passed the first reading of a bill that would allow the Russian military to operate “extraterritorially” to protect Russian citizens abroad, the Russian state news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported.

The bill, submitted to the lower house of parliament on March 19, proposes amendments to laws on citizenship and national defense. Its explanatory note said the measure was developed to protect the rights of Russian citizens if they are arrested or otherwise prosecuted abroad.

Any decision on “extraterritorial” use of the armed forces would rest with the president.

The independent Russian political newsletter Faridaily wrote that the purpose of the law is not entirely clear, since the president already has authority under Article 8 of the security law to “take measures” to protect citizens when foreign or international bodies make decisions that run counter to Russia’s interests. The explanatory note says the new bill amends the law “in furtherance” of that provision.

Lawyers polled by the Russian business daily Kommersant said the measure could be a “legislative formalization” of the escorting or protection of shadow fleet vessels placed on sanctions lists. Faridaily offered two additional examples: the possible arrest of children’s ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova under an International Criminal Court warrant, or the prosecution of Russian military personnel before a potential Council of Europe tribunal.

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Russia’s State Duma passes first reading of bill allowing military to operate abroad to protect Russian citizens

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