Russian Upper House Increases KGB Successor's Power, To Activists' Dismay -- Deutsche Welle
President Medvedev's bill to increase secret police powers has won parliament's approval. Human rights activists fear the government may use the law against the opposition, returning to a Soviet-style police state.
The Russian upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, has approved a bill aimed at widening the powers of the secret police (FSB), successor to the Soviet-era KGB.
The new law would allow the FSB to call citizens in for "precautionary talks" in connection with potential crimes that agents believe may be committed in the future. Secret police would be allowed to take such measures without firm evidence.
Those who fail to attend such meetings could be slapped with fines of about $1,500 (1,160 euros) or 15 days of jail time.
Read more ....
More News On The KGB's Successor FSB Getting More Security Powers
New powers given to Russia's security agency -- AP
Russian Opposition Sees Shadow of KGB in New Security Bill -- Voice of America
New Law Would Restore KGB-Era Powers In Russia -- NPR
Russian lawmakers expand powers of security service -- L.A. Times
Russia’s upper house passes bill expanding FSB powers -- RT
Federation Council passes bill expanding FSB powers -- Barents Observer
Draft Law Revives Practice of Soviets -- New York Times