MOSCOW, November 14 (RAPSI) – A bill ratifying fourth additional protocol to the European Convention on Extradition has been filed with the State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs, according to the database of the lower house of parliament.

The protocol  was signed in Strasbourg on February 24, 2015. It amends and supplements a number of provisions of the Convention in order to adapt it to modern needs. These provisions concern, in particular, the issues of lapse of time, requests and supporting documents, rule of speciality, transit, re-extradition to a third state and channels and means of communication.

According to the protocol, extradition request may be dismissed if a requested person can’t be prosecuted or punished because persecution term has expired.

Russia reserves the right not to apply this provision, if it is a crime for which it has its own jurisdiction, or if Russian legislation prevents such extradition.

In addition, Russia reserves the right to request originals or certified copies of the request for extradition and accompanying documents. Russia also reserves the right to allow foreign countries transit of requested person through the Russian territory issued only in compliance with the conditions established by the Russian legislation on extradition.