Pakhomenko: law on compensation for damages by terrorists' relatives not to establish peace in Northern Caucasus

The law, providing the possibility of compensation for damage caused by terrorist acts at the expense of terrorists' relatives, violates the principle of presumption of innocence and can lead to further split in society. This was stated by lawyers and members of non-commercial organizations, questioned by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Let us remind you that on October 30, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation approved the law to strengthen measures to combat terrorism. At present, the law is to be sent to the President of the Russian Federation for signing.

Varvara Pakhomenko, an expert of the International Crisis Group, fears that the new law will create new opportunities for abuses.

"The Russian laws already provide the possibility of seizure of property acquired by criminal means and separate reference to terrorists' relatives and persons close to terrorists can be regarded as the legalization of the principle of collective responsibility," Varvara Pakhomenko has commented on the adopted law in her conversation with the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Magomed Shamilov, Chairman of the Independent Trade Union of staff members of OVD (Interior Division) and prosecutors, is confident that the law will be a "dead born child" and that its effect can be counterproductive.

"If the state will thus rob relatives and friends of terrorists, there is a very good chance that in response, embittered relatives will also become open or hidden enemies of their own country," Magomed Shamilov believes.