Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the State Duma to denounce the European Convention against Torture, arguing that it no longer makes sense for Russia to remain a signatory.

Putin has submitted a bill aimed at denouncing the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, ratified by Russia in 1996. This comes after Russia was excluded from the Council of Europe in March 2022. Russian authorities argue that it is not useful to remain signatories, as they are not represented in the anti-torture committee. Activists warn that this step will hinder access for international inspectors to Russian prisons, where serious abuses have been reported.