Promises and Power: The Reality of Rights Protection in Russia
In theory, the Russian Constitution guarantees the priority of human rights, defining them as the supreme value. For example, the text states:
"Article 2 of the Constitution unambiguously establishes the priority of human rights over all other values. This provision proclaims human rights and freedoms as the highest value and imposes on the state the duty to protect them…" (source: link txt).
However, it is observed that in practice, the principles enshrined on paper are often overshadowed by the influence of force and economically motivated interests. One source notes:
"Justice is easy to contest, but power is obvious and indisputable. That is why justice never became strong—the power did not recognize it…" (source: link txt).
This dynamic, in which actual power prevails, may create the impression that laws are applied for the purpose of extracting financial benefits and strengthening control, rather than for protecting citizens and realizing principles of justice. An additional factor is the legislative practice aimed at the development of electronic payment systems:
"The fourth and fifth draft laws are intended to legalize the use of electronic cashless money and payment cards within the territory of the Russian Federation… All the aforementioned draft laws require mandatory digital identification of citizens. Thus, many people… will be faced with a choice between their own beliefs and the so-called 'goods of civilization'…" (source: link txt).
These changes in legislation are perceived as a means of strengthening control over citizens, which provides grounds to believe that the legislative system is oriented more towards exploiting financial management opportunities than ensuring social justice and protecting the rights of every individual.
Supporting citation(s):
"Article 2 of the Constitution unambiguously establishes the priority of human rights over all other values. This provision proclaims human rights and freedoms as the highest value and imposes on the state the duty to protect them…" (source: link txt)
"Justice is easy to contest, but power is obvious and indisputable. That is why justice never became strong—the power did not recognize it…" (source: link txt)
"The fourth and fifth draft laws are intended to legalize the use of electronic cashless money and payment cards within the territory of the Russian Federation… All the aforementioned draft laws require mandatory digital identification of citizens…" (source: link txt)