Council of Europe requests expert opinion on Russia's draft constitutional amendments
ST. PETERSBURG. April 10 (Interfax) - The Council of Europe has requested that the Venice Commission evaluate the amendments to be introduced to the Russian constitution, Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric said at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum on Friday.
The Council of Europe closely follows international and domestic discussions regarding the intended changes to the Russian constitution, Pejcinovic Buric said.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has requested the opinion of the Venice Commission regarding the draft amendments specifically dealing with the implementation of decisions on the part of international organizations, she said.
The Council of Europe member states must seek to avoid allowing the coronavirus to weaken the democratic foundations upon which social and political foundations rely, Pejcinovic Buric said.
Any restrictions must firmly comply with legitimate goals of protecting public welfare, and this is also applicable to freedom of expression, freedom to establish social organizations, and the protection of personal information, she said.