The law, published by the government on Tuesday, permits Russia’s high court to review rulings of international human rights bodies and pronounce them ‘non-executable’ if it deems they contradict the Russian constitution. It was drafted in response to a decision by the court in July stating judgements of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) would not be implemented if they contradicted Russia's constitution.

Relieved of compensation payments

According to The Moscow Times, legal and political analysts in Russia have suggested the new law may be aimed at relieving the Kremlin of its obligation to pay out €1.9 billion to Yukos Oil Company shareholders following a 2014 ECHR judgement.

‘Widespread consequences’

Human Rights Watch has said the law ‘could have wide spread consequences’ and is designed to thwart the ability of victims of human rights violations in Russia to find justice through international bodies. It added that last week the ECHR handed down a ruling that found Russia's surveillance regulations lacked adequate safeguards against abuse. Sources: The Independent; Reuters