Russian president endorses laws extending FSB powers

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday adopted amendments to two laws which extend the powers of the Federal Security Service (FSB).

Now, the FSB can alert people within 10 days after receiving information that could lead to possible crimes due to their actions,the Kremlin said.

In cases where orders are breached, the guilty parties can be detained for 15 days, according to the new amendments.

The amendments provoked different reactions. Human rights activists urged lawyers not to adopt the law, regarding such measures as useless.

So far, law enforcement authorities have claimed the measures will enable the FSB to perform its duties more effectively while carrying out counterterrorist operations.

The State Duma adopted the law on July 16, and the Federation Council approved it three days later.

Source: Xinhua