The Russian Interior Ministry will no longer use shackles to restrict minors, women, and economic crime suspects, spokeswoman Irina Volk said.
Photo: Irina Volk
The decision was made following the meeting of the Russian Human Rights Council on 7 December. The ministry reviewed its practices in the aftermath, including special Azhur shackles that are used to restrict movement.
“Currently, the legal ministerial acts make it possible to use different approaches to the use of special equipment, particularly with regards to the degree of danger that convoyed people represent,” Volk noted.
The Interior Ministry banned the use of Azhur shackles for women, minors, and economic crime suspects.
Photo: Azhur shackle models/ Special Materials Corp.
In 2021, Open Media discovered that the ministry was looking to purchase 19,471 Azhur shackles of 3 different types for up to 81.2 million rubles (€1.227 million).
The Russian ministry earlier bought Nezhnost (tenderness — translator’s note) handcuffs. The bracelets handcuff people when thrown on wrists, do not interrupt blood circulation, and prevent skin damage.
