MCHS military staff may use force and firearms
Authorities will allow emergency response forces to use firearms. Personnel of rescue formations of the emergency response ministry will be able to use force and firearms when carrying out official duties.
Consensus
- The government's legislative commission approved the draft law allowing MCHS military personnel to use physical force and firearms.
- The draft law is subject to revisions before final adoption.
- MCHS military personnel may use force and firearms to protect themselves and others from life-threatening attacks.
- Use of firearms is permitted to prevent the seizure of vehicles or equipment.
- Before using force or firearms, personnel must issue a warning unless facing sudden attack.
- Shooting at women, minors, and people with visible disabilities is prohibited unless they are involved in armed or group attacks.
- The draft law includes provisions for creating a special protection unit within MCHS for staff and their families.
- The initiative is linked to operations in conflict zones, including demining, humanitarian aid delivery, and evacuation.
- The law aims to enable MCHS personnel to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
Points of divergence
- The government requested the removal of a clause allowing MCHS personnel to use force against any criminal suspect regardless of the crime's severity, as it grants broader powers than police. — novaya_eu
- The government asked for clarification on who and what MCHS personnel will be authorized to protect, including specific objects, transport, and equipment. — novaya_eu
- Dmitry Vybornov, a member of the State Duma, stated that the need for armed protection arises specifically due to MCHS operations on occupied Ukrainian territories. — tg_echoonline_news
- Anatoly Vybornov explained that the changes are intended to ensure the safety of Russian citizens and MCHS personnel during service tasks. — tg_tass_agency
- The government highlighted that the current version of the draft gives MCHS personnel more powers than police, prompting the need for revision. — mediazona
Coverage (16 sources)
- Fire and Rescue personnel want permission to use force and firearms — Черта
- Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations may be allowed to shoot and use force during work — РИАМО
- Fire and Rescue personnel want to be allowed to use force and firearms — Новая газета Европа
- MChS will be allowed to use firearms — "Vedomosti" — ЭХО / Новости
- Military Ministry of Emergency Situations may be allowed to use force and firearms, report "Vedomosti". — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Vedomosti: Fire and Rescue Service personnel will be allowed to use firearms — Медиазона
- Ministry of Emergency Situations personnel may be allowed to use weapons — Дождь
- Authorities will allow emergency response forces to use firearms — The Moscow Times
- Emergency services personnel will be granted the right to use force and weapons — Вечерняя Москва
- Moscow Times: Fire and Rescue Service personnel will be allowed to use firearms — Meduza
- Vedomosti: Firefighters may be allowed to use firearms — Фонтанка
- Vedomosti: Emergency services personnel will be allowed to use physical force and firearms — Дождь (Telegram)
- Rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations want to be allowed to use force and firearms — SOTAvision
- Vedomosti: The rights commission approved the project on the use of force by military personnel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations — Коммерсантъ
- Ministry of Emergency Situations personnel want to be allowed to use force and firearms when carrying out official duties — ASTRA
- Emergency services personnel will be allowed to use force and firearms — Вести