Interfax: Russia may theoretically withdraw from ECHR jurisdiction – Putin

YALTA. Aug 14 (Interfax) – Russia may theoretically withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) jurisdiction, but the matter is not under consideration now, President Vladimir Putin says.

While Putin was meeting with members of State Duma factions in Yalta on Thursday, he was asked whether Russia may withdraw from the ECHR jurisdiction.

“In principle, this is surely possible. But for the time being, we are holding various discussions and maintaining dialogues with them,” Putin replied.

He accused the ECHR of politicizing many of its judgments, poorly performing the role for which it was originally established, not regulating legal relations and not really protecting any positions “but simply fulfilling some political function.”

“If this practice gets stronger, this [Russia’s withdrawal from the ECHR jurisdiction] is possible, but this issue is still not on our agenda so far,” he said.