The Yabloko faction in the State Duma thinks it necessary to adopt a law "On Combating Extremism" "in view of the outbreak of extremism and signs pointing to the formation of an extremist underground in Russia." This statement for journalists was made by Sergei Mitrokhin, a member of the Yabloko faction.

"It is very important that the adoption of the new law will make it possible to fight both individuals professing and popularising extremist ideas, but also corresponding organisational structures," noted Mitrokhin.

At the same time, Mitrokhin indicated that the "draft law adopted in the first reading contains a number of norms which can serve as an instrument for suppressing constructive opposition to the present authorities. "And the vagueness of a number of of the key phrases, including the term 'extremism' makes it possible to declare any organisation opposed to the authorities as 'illegal," stressed Mitrokhin.

When discussing the draft law in the second reading the Yabloko faction will propose a number of amendments to the Duma.

In particular, it propose introducing the following amendments:

• the words about declaring illegal actions aimed at hindering "the legal activity of the federal executive authorities, the executive authorities of subjects of the Russian Federation and local government." should be deleted from the definition of extremism;
• the suspension of public organisations, suspected of extremism, must be validated by a corresponding decision of the Supreme Court;
• the mention of "another state body" other than the Ministry of Justice which would be called upon to check the appearance of extremist manifestations should be removed from the text.

According to the Yabloko faction, these amendments to the draft law would prevent attempts to use this law as an instrument of political pressure, but would preserve all the possibilities for an active fight against any manifestations of extremism.

"In the first reading of the draft law the Yabloko faction voted for this law rendering it conditional support, said Mitrokhin. - We think that the second reading will be principled and that the voting of the faction will be consolidated in this case. Yabloko will support the law, if the most amendments are introduced into the law."

See also:

YABLOKO Against Extremism

Rosbalt. June 19, 2002. Deputy of the State Duma Sergei Mitrokhin: the adoption of the draft law on combating extremism will make it possible to fight both individuals and corresponding organisational structures

RIA "Novosti". June 20, 2002. The Yabloko faction of the State Duma: to pass a law of combating extremist activity is necessary.