MOSCOW, December 17 (RAPSI) - A bill that would allow the pre-trial blocking of allegedly extremist websites, that is currently being considered in the State Duma, will not help combat extremism and will more likely result in restricting the rights of the public, according to the Presidential Council for Human Rights.

The bill would regulate restrictions on accessing online sources that contain illegal information, including calls for mass riots or participation in unauthorized public protests. It stipulates that websites suspected of distributing illegal content could be blocked at the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office. State Duma members discussed the bill in the first reading on Tuesday. The vote will take place after 5 p.m.

Human rights activists believe that this approach “could result in a serious violation of constitutional rights and freedoms.”

“Also, considering the ease with which users can get round the restrictions with technology, the proposed amendments will, on the one hand, fuel a negative attitude toward the law, and on the other hand, create the illusion of anti-extremism measures instead of actually fighting it,” the statement reads.