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The Role of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs in Combating Terrorism in Urban Conditions--Sergey A. Starostin
Pages 141-152

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From page 141...
... All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs "We are entering a unique era of terrorism that could make all of modern society its potential victim." These words, spoken more than 20 years ago by Joseph Alexander, head of the Institute of International Terrorism of the State University of New York, are being confirmed in full measure today.1 The events of September 11, 2001, in the United States and the bombings of apartment buildings in September 1999 and seizure of hostages in October 2002 in Moscow have already firmly convinced everyone that for modern society, terrorism has become a global threat, along with other various dangers to which mankind is subjected at the start of the third millennium. Indeed, modern terrorism is taking on new forms and features shaped by fast-moving processes under way in the high-technology sphere.
From page 142...
... Making a fundamental assessment of the growing crime threat, Russian Federation President Vladimir V Putin said: "We are paying a heavy price both for
From page 143...
... With a deep sense of responsibility, I would like to state that if anyone even attempts to use such means against our country, Russia will respond with measures adequate to meet the threat to the Russian Federation."2 The threat presented by terrorism to all of civilization has already been recognized at the international level, and there are no grounds on which to expect that this threat will weaken or diminish anytime soon.3 Moreover, the intensification of the terrorist threat to Russia has given rise to the need to make wellfounded changes in the national security strategy, specifically with regard to the possible use of the armed forces to eliminate hotbeds of international crime.4 The defining characteristic of the current operational situation in Russia is not only the reality that terrorist acts are being committed but also the constant threat that they will be carried out in the future. Here are a few examples.
From page 144...
... These investigations involve onsite work not only by personnel from the local district internal affairs agencies but also by specialists from the field engineering unit and canine teams to check for the possible presence of explosives, bombs, and poisonous substances in unattended or suspicious objects. During the operations in 2002, we discovered 10.5 percent more crimes punishable under Statute 222 of the Russian Federation Criminal Code (illegal acquisition, distribution, sale, storage, shipment, or possession of weapons, ammunition, or explosive substances or devices)
From page 145...
... Among the most effective are targeted preventive search operations (such as Vortex-Antiterror) aimed at locating individuals belonging to criminal groups of an extremist or terrorist orientation, members of illegal armed groups and their accomplices, and members of Muslim organizations and religious centers that are promulgating Wahhabism.
From page 146...
... Its officers keep a 24-hour watch at state road inspection checkpoints and inspect the flows of cargo arriving in the capital. MVD units provide antiterrorism protection to facilities of special importance, those vital to life and welfare, and those presenting a heightened degree of danger (including heating and power stations, dams, and water pumping stations, which have active chemically dangerous substances stored on site)
From page 147...
... The well-known events at the theater center on Dubrovka Street have forced us to increase our efforts to rid the capital's economy of the "ethnic crime business." In 2002 we uncovered more than 500 enterprises under various forms of ownership that were, according to operational data, involved in Street 15% Vehicle Building 20% 65% FIGURE 1 Distribution of terrorist acts committed in Russia by location. Anti-tank Homemade Shell 0% Grenade Explosive 1% Device Mine 8% 1% Artillery Shell 2% Undetermined 53% Grenade 35% FIGURE 2 Distribution of bombings in Russia by type of explosive device used.
From page 148...
... 148 RUSSIAN VIEWS ON COUNTERING TERRORISM over 50 years 2% 15-20 years 45-50 years 9% 5% 40-45 years 20-25 years 14% 12% 35-40 years 25-30 years 15% 19% 30-35 years 24% FIGURE 3 Distribution of terrorists by age. None 12% Two or more 51% One 37% FIGURE 4 Distribution of terrorists by number of previous convictions.
From page 149...
... • Heavier administrative and criminal penalties should be established for those who participate in street riots and promote extremist means of political struggle. • The political process should be monitored not only in Moscow but also in the various republics and oblasts that make up the Russian Federation (including small cities where the socioeconomic and ethnopolitical situations are strained)
From page 150...
... Action should be taken to prevent the uncontrolled movement throughout the Russian Federation of individuals without identity papers and foreigners who refuse to leave the country when the authorized duration of their visit has expired. • It would seem appropriate to increase the amount of funds available for rewarding citizens who assist internal affairs agencies in identifying and exposing individuals planning or committing terrorist acts and their accomplices.
From page 151...
... Given the degree of danger that terrorism presents to the public, it would seem expedient to temporarily establish special arrest procedures and detention terms for individuals suspected of planning to commit or participate in terrorist acts. • The MVD, FSB, and Central Bank of Russia should be given expanded powers to institute tighter controls on the activities of individuals and legal entities involved in commercial operations, including those in the wholesale trade business, as well as controls on the use of funds by public organizations and their leaders and activists if operational information indicates that they are involved in financing terrorist activities.


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