MOSCOW, January 12 (RAPSI) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has called prosecutors to strengthen the fight against extremism and crime and clamp down on corruption and misappropriation of state funds.

“We need to step up our efforts when it comes to combating extremism and crime, clamp down on corruption and misappropriation of state funds. There are other areas that require utmost attention as well. They include supervisory support of national projects and environmental protection as well as ensuring that law is observed during the State Duma elections later this year. In each particular case, it is necessary to demand complete restoration of the rule of law and restoration of rights. It is important to take a resolute and principled approach. You have enough authority and competence for that” a statement published on the President’s official website reads.

Among the priority tasks of the prosecutor offices the President also named those to expose and rectify violations of people’s social rights, especially the rights of the most vulnerable groups.

The President reminded that in 2020, prosecutors exposed over 3.5 million federal law violations. More than 820,000 submissions were made to remedy those violations and that almost 19,000 criminal cases were opened following inspection results.

“I should note that, considering that the prosecutor’s office performs the essential functions of ensuring the rights and legal interests of our citizens and the state, its constitutional and legal status was substantially upgraded last year. Among other duties, the prosecutor’s office received the authority to oversee compliance with the Constitution and the law; a new procedure for appointing senior officials of the prosecutor’s office was established; the guarantees of independence and transparency of the prosecution authorities were reinforced” – President Putin said in his address to current and former staff of Russia’s prosecution authorities congratulating them on their professional holiday.