The government commission on legislative activity has approved a draft law that would allow servicemen of the Emergency Ministry's rescue military units to use force and firearms, Vedomosti reported, citing sources and the text of the document. The Insider and The Moscow Times also reported the news.
According to the document, weapons could be used to stop attempts to seize transport or military equipment, as well as to protect servicemen, Federal Fire Service employees, and federal civil servants from attacks threatening their lives and health.
Before using weapons, a serviceman would have to warn of their intentions and give time to comply with demands. Acting without warning would be permitted when repelling an attack involving military equipment. The Moscow Times, citing co-author of the initiative, deputy Anatoly Vyborny, added that the bill also proposes allowing weapons to be used to destroy drones.
Vyborny explained that the need to ensure the safety of Emergency Ministry employees could arise during demining, delivery of humanitarian aid, and evacuation of residents from the front-line zone.
The commission approved the bill on condition of revisions. The government's response notes that it is necessary to clarify exactly whom Emergency Ministry servicemen would protect, which objects and transport would be under guard, and which equipment would be subject to protection. The commission also noted that the proposed powers to use weapons during detention are broader than those of the police: rescuers could use weapons regardless of the nature of the crime. The document proposes excluding these provisions and establishing an obligation for servicemen to seek to minimize damage.
Earlier, a bill was submitted to the State Duma allowing conscripts to be sent to military units of the Emergency Ministry's Federal Fire Service. The document also provides for expanding the powers of these units to populated areas and organizations — currently they work only on closed and federal territories and particularly important facilities. The explanatory note stated that the change was needed due to a shortage of rescuers, The Moscow Times reported.