Putin introduced to Duma a new law proposal, about a creation of National Guards. Corresponding information have appeared in the electronic database of the parliament.
Law defines composition and the tasks of the new force. In particular, guards can check the citizen’s documents, arrest them in order to hand to the police, “if there are enough evidences of law violation or administrative offense”.
Also, National Guards can use force and arms without issuing a warning “in case of direct threat to citizens or other guards”. “Guard has a right to not issue a warning before using physical force, special means, or firearms, if delaying the action can threaten life or health of the citizen, other guard, or can lead to serious consequences”.
Among the “special means” the law lists rubber batons, gas grenades, handcuffs, means of distracting by sound and light effects, the means for breaking barriers and forced stoppage of transport, as well as service animals.
Guards can beleaguer terrains, in particular in order to prevent mass rallies, restrict or prohibit the movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
Opposition assumes that practically, it’s a creation of the alternative army, aimed to protect the regime and Putin personally. Emiliya Slabunova from the “Yabloko” commented that “National Guards is an attempt to secure the authorities from the protests and rallies before the coming elections”. “State turns in to monster, and increases power structures at the expenses of education and healthcare”.
source (in Russian).
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