MOSCOW, October 23 - RAPSI. Russian Human Rights Ombudsman Vladimir Lukin has criticized the amendments drawn up for the second reading of a bill designed to increase the protection of state secrets from criminal infringements.

The State Duma approved the bill in its first reading in late September.

"The amendments submitted for the second reading.... will not change the view that the bill contradicts international legal and constitutional principles of criminal law which stress the inadmissibility of a broad interpretation of criminal liability provisions, as well as a double conviction for the same deed," the message, posted on Lukin's website reads.

The amendments submitted for the second reading still prohibit aid from being rendered not only to foreign states and organizations, but to international organizations as well; they also stipulate the liability for assistance to organizations with whom Russia officially works, the ombudsman added.

Lukin is surprised that the bills sponsors have no interest in discussing the main document's provisions with him while it is being drafted.