Moscow plans to bring back informers

July 17 2003

Stalinist-style neighbourhood informants could return to Moscow under 
a plan to create a city-wide network of spies to help thwart terrorists.  

A bill before the city assembly proposes a network of informers in 
all 600 districts, with councils of residents set up to spy on neighbours 
and newcomers. The head of each group will be paid 3200 roubles ($160) 
a month.  

Officials say the scheme should make it harder for terrorists to plot 
attacks in the capital. "We would like to raise public conscientiousness 
to such a level that people will not just step over a suspicious package 
left near their homes or ignore someone who clearly resembles a 
suicide bomber," said Inna Svyatenko, the assembly member who 
proposed the bill.  

But the potential for abuse has led many to fear a return to the 
witchhunts of the Stalinist era.  

[snip]

Full article at Sydney Morning Herald ...
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/16/1058035074012.html

Cheers, Steve..

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