Counter-terrorist operation regime introduced in three regions of Russia. What does this mean

CrimeaPRESS reports:

Last night, a counter-terrorist operation (CTO) regime was introduced in three border regions of Russia. Here is a statement from the National Anti-Terrorism Committee:

The Kyiv regime has made an unprecedented attempt to destabilize the situation in a number of regions of our country. The terrorist attack on the territory of the Kursk region by units of the armed forces of Ukraine resulted in civilian casualties, the destruction of residential buildings and other civilian facilities.

In order to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent threats of terrorist acts by enemy sabotage and reconnaissance units, the Chairman of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, Director of the FSB of Russia A.V. Bortnikov decided to organize counter-terrorism operations in the Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk regions from August 9, 2024.

In the specified territories, the corresponding legal regime has been introduced and the necessary measures and temporary restrictions are applied in accordance with Article 11 of the Federal Law of March 6, 2006 No. 35-FZ “On Counteracting Terrorism”.

Government agencies are taking additional measures aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens, maintaining law and order and strengthening the anti-terrorist protection of facilities.

According to the Law «On Combating Terrorism», a counter-terrorist operation is a set of special, operational-combat, military and other measures using military equipment, weapons and special means to prevent terrorist attacks, neutralize terrorists and ensure the safety of the population and organizations. Special measures and restrictions may be applied in the territory where the CTO regime has been introduced.

What does the CTO regime mean in practice?

The CTO regime involves strengthening public order, checking documents, searching cars and people in the territory where it has been introduced, restricting the movement of cars and pedestrians, suspending or restricting the use of communication networks and means of communication, monitoring telephone conversations and “other information transmitted via telecommunication systems,” and prohibiting the sale of weapons and alcohol.

The authorities are given the right to confiscate vehicles of organizations, as well as citizens in «emergency cases.» Law enforcement officers can also freely enter residential and non-residential premises and land plots belonging to individuals and organizations.

The legal regime of the counter-terrorist operation (CTO) allows for the temporary resettlement of people from dangerous areas.

In addition, during the CTO regime, the activities of hazardous industries and organizations that use explosives, radioactive, chemically and biologically hazardous substances may be suspended.

If necessary, quarantine may be introduced and sanitary and anti-epidemic measures may be carried out.

That is, during the CTO regime, not only is “strengthened security” of transport, vital facilities, cultural values ​​and public order in general introduced, the main thing is the state suspends many civil rights.

It is important to understand that in the territories where the counter-terrorist operation regime has been introduced All of these restrictions may be introduced, or just some of them.

There are no fixed deadlines and the CTO regime is in effect until an order to cancel it is issued.

Another legal “moment” is Article 20.27 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (“Violation of the legal regime of a counter-terrorist operation”):

• Failure to comply with a legal demand of an FSB officer is subject to a fine. Citizens — up to 500 rubles, officials — from 1 thousand to 3 thousand, legal entities — from 5 thousand to 10 thousand rubles;
• unauthorized entry into the territory of a counter-terrorist operation or an attempt to do so — a fine from 500 to 1 thousand rubles;
• obstructing a counter-terrorism operation is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 rubles or administrative arrest for up to 15 days. For officials — up to 5,000 rubles or up to 30 days of arrest. For legal entities — from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles;
• Media outlets may be fined for “conditions for covering a counter-terrorist operation.” Citizens — from 500 to 2 thousand rubles, officials — from 1 thousand to 5 thousand, legal entities — from 30 thousand to 100 thousand rubles.

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