MOSCOW (AP) — Russia's parliament is considering a bill that would increase the power of the Federal Security Service and restore practices once associated with its Soviet predecessor, the KGB.
The legislation would allow security officers to summon individuals for informal talks, issue written warnings about "inadmissible" participation in anti-government activities such as protest rallies, and fine or arrest those who disobey the officers.
The measure is part of government efforts to fight extremism and also appears aimed at tightening control over the media.
Human rights advocate Lyudmila Alexeyeva described the bill Tuesday as "shockingly brazen."
The government-drafted legislation was submitted Saturday to the State Duma, the Kremlin-loyal lower house of parliament.
