Russian Parliament Empowers FSB to Detain State Security Suspects in Its Own Facilities

Russia’s State Duma has approved a landmark bill allowing the Federal Security Service (FSB) to operate its own pre-trial detention centers for those accused of crimes against national security.

The legislation, which passed its third and final reading on Wednesday, grants the FSB authority to isolate suspects in espionage, treason, and terrorism cases within facilities directly controlled by the agency.

“This step will make investigations more efficient and guarantee that suspected spies and terrorists are kept away from other detainees,” said Vasily Piskarev, one of the bill’s authors.

“It will also help prevent foreign intelligence services and terrorist organizations from making contact with their agents, interfering with investigations, or recruiting them for further subversive activities.”

The FSB previously maintained its own detention centers until 2006, when Russia’s accession to the Council of Europe led to their transfer to the federal penitentiary system.

Lawmakers introduced the bill in February 2025, citing a significant rise in cases of treason, covert collaboration with foreign entities, and espionage amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Proponents argue that these high-profile suspects attract special attention from foreign governments and organizations, requiring extra measures to protect state secrets.