PACE to continue monitoring Russia

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) voted in favour of a resolution on Russia on Tuesday, RIA Novosti reports.

The resolution criticizes Russia for not abolishing capital punishment (even though executions are banned) and not annulling its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as the PACE demands.

The PACE also decided to continue monitoring the situation surrounding democracy and human rights in Russia.

The PACE's strict position on Russia is being criticized by pro-Kremlin politicians, who slam the body as prejudiced. The head of the State Duma, Sergey Narushkin, has even refused to take part in the current session of the assembly.