Russian parliament approves mechanism to lift terrorist designation for organizations

The State Duma (Russia’s lower chamber of parliament) has passed in the first reading a draft law introducing a mechanism to temporarily suspend the ban on activities of organizations listed as terrorist entities, TASS reported on December 10.The bill, submitted in November by a group of members of the State Duma and Federation Council (Russia’s upper chamber of parliament), amends the law "On Countering Terrorism."Under the new provisions, the ban on an organization’s activities, including foreign and international entities deemed terrorist in Russia, may be suspended by a court decision based on a request from the Prosecutor-General of Russia or his deputies.  Such suspension is possible if there is evidence that the organization has ceased activities promoting, justifying, or supporting terrorism, or committing related crimes under Russia’s Criminal Code.The court's decision to temporarily suspend the ban must be sent to the FSB (Federal Security Service) within five days of its enactment to update the list of terrorist organizations.According to Leonid Slutsky, head of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs and leader of the LDPR party, the new rules aim to ensure Russia’s legal interaction with the Taliban movement (banned in Russia).The bill also specifies that if evidence emerges of resumed propaganda, justification, or support for terrorism, or related crimes, the decision to temporarily lift the ban may be revoked.Amendments are also being made to the Russian Administrative Procedure Code and the law "On Countering Legalization (Money Laundering) of Criminal Proceeds and Terrorism Financing."The Insider reports that funds of organizations removed from the terrorist list will no longer be subject to mandatory oversight by banks and security services.Under current legislation, any financial operation involving funds or property linked to individuals or organizations on the terrorist list is subject to mandatory oversight.  Banks are required to request proof of the legal origin of such funds in the case of suspicious transactions.The new bill cancels this oversight if a court decides to temporarily lift the ban on an organization, or reinstates it if the decision is reversed.