Yesterday, January 27, 2009 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev returned the draft of a federal law providing for changes in Russian Criminal and Procedural Codes concerning state secrets, treason, and espionage.

Many human rights activists stood against the proposed changes. The State Duma planned to vote on the law January 13, 2009. The agenda changed at the very last moment and there were no readings permitted of the draft by the government. Neither was there any official statement of the Duma regarding the new agenda.

Interfax news agency reported yesterday that the "President ordered his cabinet to revise the draft of changes to Russian Criminal and Criminal Procedural Codes regarding state secrets, treason, and espionage." One can speculate that the Government plans to draft a revised project of the new law.

HRC Memorial welcomes the decision of the President that leaves hope that there are still elements of feedback from public and authorities. However, we don't know what outcomes this decision will lead to and the interaction of executive and legislative branches of power in this case remain open to question.

January 28, 2009