State Duma passes law on using Russian army abroad to protect Russians

The State Duma adopted in the second and third readings a bill whose provisions allow, by decision of the President of Russia, the use of armed forces abroad to protect Russians.

381 deputies (84.7%) voted in support of the legislative initiative. There were no abstentions or votes against.

The document has not yet been finally adopted by parliament: it must be approved by the Federation Council, after which it will be submitted to the president for signing.

According to the bill, the armed forces, by decision of the head of state, may be involved in performing tasks to protect Russian citizens who have been arrested, detained or subjected to criminal or other prosecution by decisions of foreign courts. The latter applies only to courts in which Russia does not participate and whose competence is not based on an international treaty with Russia or on a UN Security Council resolution.

Also, by decision of the president, the necessary measures to protect citizens will be taken by Russian authorities within their powers.

Source: RBC