Published in the State Duma’s electronic database, the bill proposes denouncing the European Convention adopted on November 26, 1987, which, in addition to the prevention of torture, also addresses Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Russia signed this document on February 28, 1996, in Strasbourg, and it was ratified on March 28, 1998, according to the explanatory note accompanying the bill.

The text states that as of December 2023, Russia is no longer represented on the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, nor does it “have the opportunity to participate fully and with full rights in the work of this supervisory mechanism.”

This is due that the Council of Europe banned the election of a new Russian member following the previous member’s term on the said committee expired.

The bill will take effect on the first day of the month following the expiration of twelve months after the Secretary-General receives such notification. Russia ceased to be a member of the Council of Europe on March 16, 2022, after 26 years of membership.

jdt/iff/ro/gfa