Russian Security Agency Changes

[otlichnik]

In a series of decrees on March 11th, 2003, President Putin reorganised the Russian security organs. FAPSI, the sigint organ, was abolished and its functions split between the Defence Ministry and the FSB (internal security). The Federal Border Guard Service was incorporated into the FSB. The Federal Tax Police Service was abolished and its functions transferred to the Interior Ministry. A State Committee on Drug Trafficking was created.

Despite the comments of some pundits this is not exactly the re-creation of the KGB which was broken into five separate pieces after the fall of the USSR. These changes still leave three agencies. However, this is an unfortunate strengthening of the FSB. The addition of sigint to the FSB is especially disturbing for the progress of democracy, rule of law and human rights in Russia.

Shawn