The 2022 report by the U.S. State Department on human rights in Russia outlines several key issues:
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Trial Procedures: While the law supports fair and public trials, judicial corruption and executive interference undermine these rights. There are cases of inadequate legal representation, electronic monitoring of attorney-client conversations, and denial of defense rights during trials.
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Political Prisoners and Detainees: There are credible reports of political prisoners, with charges like "terrorism" and "extremism" used for political reasons. The human rights organization Memorial listed 488 political prisoners, suggesting the actual number could be higher.
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Transnational Repression: The Russian government engaged in acts of repression against individuals outside its borders, including political opponents and human rights defenders. This includes alleged extrajudicial killings and kidnappings in other countries.
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Arbitrary Interference with Privacy: The law prohibits unauthorized entry into private residences and surveillance without a warrant. However, laws passed after 2016 have weakened these protections, with reports of routine surveillance and intimidation by authorities.
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Conflict-related Abuses: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to extensive war crimes, civilian deaths, and widespread displacement. There were reports of forced deportations and adoptions of Ukrainian children, among other abuses.
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Freedom of Expression and Press: The government increasingly restricted freedom of expression and press, using laws to detain, harass, or prosecute critics. Independent media faced significant constraints, and censorship was widespread.
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Internet Freedom: Internet communications are monitored by the government, with ISPs required to install equipment for routing traffic through servers within Russia. This enables state authorities to control information and block content.
The report paints a picture of significant human rights challenges in Russia, including governmental interference in judicial processes, political repression, and restrictions on freedoms of expression, press, and privacy.