MOSCOW, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- A human rights council in the Kremlin said Thursday it would take its time to ensure counter-terrorism legislation was in line with the Russian constitution.
Members of the Russian Parliament are expected to review anti-terrorism legislation next month. Mikhail Fedotov, director of the Presidential Human Rights Council, told the state-supported news agency RIA Novosti the measures should be weighed against protections outlined in the constitution.
"The preparation of such examinations is one of the functions of the council, but it will, of course, take time," he said.
Legislation presented this week to the State Duma, the lower house of Parliament, would extend the authority of law enforcement personnel to stop and search potential suspects. Other measures would call for more state monitoring of Internet activity and tougher penalties for those suspected of aiding and abetting acts of terrorism in the country.
Sochi, a Russian resort city on the coast of the Black Sea, hosts this year's Winter Olympics, which begin Feb. 7.
Safety has been a top concern for Russian planners and Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin said counter-terrorism measures would be reviewed during the Olympic Games.
