20050621_interv

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Rudolf Bindig: Putin’s "controlled democracy" imperils apportionment of powers in Russia

Frank criticism of shortfall in democracy and rule of law in Russia has been levelled by German Social Democrat Rudolf Bindig who, together with British Conservative David Atkinson, is presenting a report this week in Strasbourg on the country’s political development on behalf of the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly.
It is claimed that President Vladimir Putin’s "controlled democracy" imperils the apportionment of powers, that the state is extending its influence over the media, and that the independence of justice is called into question.

Strasbourg, 21 June 2005

Question: In your report, you level sometimes harsh criticism at the state of political development in Russia. The Council of Europe has of course done so several times already, apparently without much success. Perhaps President Vladimir Putin does not allow himself to be impressed by the band of states in Strasbourg.

Rudolf Bindig: The honouring of the obligations accepted by a country towards the Council of Europe as regards democracy and rule of law is always a lengthy process. Readiness to undertake reforms is plainly discernible among those responsible in Moscow. Naturally we want it to go more quickly. Unfortunately setbacks are also to be noted.

Question: So, in which areas do the most serious problems lie?

Rudolf Bindig: The death penalty has still not been formally abolished. The Yukos case with the condemnation of Mikhail Khodorkovskii has again raised doubt about the independence of justice. Media freedom is visibly limited; the Kremlin is constantly extending its influence over television and the press. We are concerned about the apportionment of powers which, because of the further development of Putin’s "controlled democracy", is threatened by strong power wielded from the top down. Soldiers are often bullied during their military service. In addition, the policy in respect of many adjacent states is to be criticised: in Moldova there are still Russian troops; in Georgia Moscow supports the independence movements in Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia.

Question: Have you also recorded progress?

Rudolf Bindig: Yes, there are improvements. The Code of Criminal Procedure has been reformed. The number of convicted prisoners has been appreciably reduced from 140 000 to 800 000. Persons not wishing to serve as soldiers can complete civilian service, but its application frequently has a penal character, alas. It is also heartening that the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly co-operated constructively in the preparation of our report.

Question: What then is the tenor of the principal demands made on the government in Moscow?

Rudolf Bindig: The death penalty must be finally abolished. The secret service FSB must no longer have the right to maintain its own prison system. Russia has the duty to take definite action to put an end to human rights violations in Chechnya. The media structure must become pluralistic. Independent public television and radio broadcasting must be introduced in Russia,.

Question: With its policy of emphatically pressing for reforms to enhance democracy and rule of law in Russia, the Council of Europe seems to stand quite alone in the international arena. Is there a lack of support from European heads of state and government who are unduly considerate towards Putin?

Rudolf Bindig: I do wish that the national leaders on the continent would address Putin more incisively when it comes to central issues of fundamental democratic rights. However, through conscientious work and multiple contacts with Russian politicians and civil society there, our Parliamentary Assembly may indeed have achieved something. This influence of the Council of Europe is often underestimated in the eyes of the public.