Russia Backs Withdrawal from Torture Prevention Convention

Russia's State Duma has approved a bill to withdraw from the European convention aimed at preventing torture. The decision follows Russia's inability to participate in the relevant European committee due to a block by the Council of Europe, thus hindering its engagement in monitoring activities.

In a significant move, Russia's State Duma endorsed a bill on Wednesday to exit the European convention designed to prevent torture.

According to Russian authorities, the Council of Europe has thwarted Moscow's involvement in the continent's Committee for the Prevention of Torture.

This exclusion, they argue, has impeded Russia from actively participating in the monitoring mechanism for addressing torture and degrading treatment.

(With inputs from agencies.)