Rudolf Bindig, a co-author of a PACE report on Russia said Russia had assumed a number of commitments when it joined the Council of Europe in 1996. A special committee has been monitoring Russia on this issue ever since.
The original list of Russia's commitments to the Council of Europe contained about 20 items. At present, the organization is insisting on the fulfillment of the three that remain, including the transfer of several pre-trial detention centers from the Federal Security Service (FSB) to the Justice Ministry, the creation of a transparent legal system, and the freedom of press. In addition, the Council of Europe is urging Russia to ratify the Sixth Protocol to the Human Rights Convention, which abolishes the death penalty.
Bindig and his British colleague David Atkinson will deliver their report on Russia on Wednesday during the current session of the Council of Europe.
According to Bindig, the end to monitoring is entirely dependent on Russia. He said it must first ratify the protocol to the Human Rights Convention, reform the legal system, improve the detention conditions in prisons, and transfer several pre-trial detention centers to the Justice Ministry's jurisdiction.
Bindig also mentioned the lack of pluralism in the Russian media and criticized the reforms aimed to strengthen "the power vertical" in the country.
