Russia’s Medvedev approves bill granting more power to KGB successor
By APThursday, July 29, 2010
Medvedev widens powers of KGB successor agency
MOSCOW — The Russian president has signed a law widening the powers of the Federal Security Service, the KGB’s main successor agency.
The law allows the agency known as FSB to issue warnings to people suspected of preparing to commit crimes against Russia’s security. Perpetrators face fines or up to 15 days detention.
Critics say this power could be used to intimidate government opponents and stifle protests.
The bill has raised doubts about President Dmitry Medvedev’s commitment to promoting full-fledged democracy and freedom of expression.
Medvedev has taken a softer line on many issues than his predecessor Vladimir Putin, a former KGB officer and then FSB chief.
Putin is now prime minister, and many see his intolerance of dissent as influencing the Kremlin.
