The Federal Law aims to bring Russian law into accordance with the provisions of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in complaint No 1555/04 Zakharkin vs the Russian Federation, that Russia had not respected its obligations with respect to article 34 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, in accordance with which states that are parties to the convention must not in any way hinder their citizens from effectively exercising their right to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
In order to correct this oversight in the law, the Federal Law introduces an amendment setting out the procedures for authorising and holding meetings between suspects and accused in custody and their representatives in the European Court of Human Rights, who are providing them with legal aid in connection with their intention to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.