05.12 Russia's Security Services Want to Allow Olympic Protests

MOSCOW, December 5 (RIA Novosti) – The Federal Security Service (FSB) proposed a bill Thursday that would allow demonstrations sanctioned by authorities to take place during the Winter Olympic Games in Russia's resort city of Sochi next year.

The draft law published online for public discussion Thursday would amend the earlier law on security measures for the Games that requires all demonstrations scheduled for that period to be held before or after the Olympics and Paralympics.

The new initiative, the FSB said in the document, would enable Russia to uphold international rights while ensuring public safety at the same time.
Under the bill, rallies could be sanctioned if organizers obtain permission from the authorities, police and security services. In order to get a permit, organizers will be required to provide data on the planned number of protesters and the demonstration’s route and duration.

The Games have been widely criticized for their record high costs and alleged damage to the area’s environment, as well as rights violations of workers and local residents.

Legislation signed into law last August introduces high security measures in Sochi that would limit access of vehicles to the city and people’s movements in the area.

The Black Sea resort of Sochi is located a few hundred kilometers from Russia’s volatile North Caucasus, parts of which are plagued by a low-level Islamist insurgency. The leader of a militant group earlier this year called on Islamist fighters to target the Games.

The Sochi Olympics will be held on February 7-23, and the Paralympics on March 7-16.