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Law on use of arms, special means by FSB endorsed by Russia’s Federation Council

Russian security service (FSB, former KGB) officers will be allowed to use arms, special means and physical force without identifying themselves or warning the potential perpetrator

© ITAR-TASS/Dmitry Rogulin/TASS/archive

MOSCOW, December 25. /TASS/. The Federation Council (upper house of Russian parliament) has endorsed on Friday the law on the procedure for the use of arms, special means and physical force by officers of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB, foremer KGB).

According to the document, before using arms, special means and physical force FSB officers will be required to identify themselves and their intention giving citizens an opportunity to fulfill their legitimate demands. However, they will be able not to do that, "if a delay creates an immediate threat to life and health of citizens and FSB officers or entail other serious consequences and also while rebuffing an assault on facilities, special cargo and FSB vehicles." FSB officers are also required to render first aid to persons who sustained injuries due to their actions and take measures to take victims to hospital. In each instance of citizens’ injury or death caused by the use of arms it will be necessary to notify a public prosecutor within 24 hours.

The law also envisages the right of FSB officers to take fingerprints of persons, who, according to the FSB, can be recruited to take part in terrorist activity.

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