MOSCOW, October 6 (RAPSI) – Bills on improvement of witness protection program have been introduced into the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, the government’s website announced on Thursday.

The bills drafted by the Russian Interior Ministry provide for possible using emergency measures of witness protection in disregard of a longer-term traditional procedure “in situations of extreme gravity and urgency.”

The draft laws also envisage that public protection may be applied in some cases without application or written consent of a citizen.

Under the bills, military personnel who were integral to fight against terror, foreign intelligence bodies’ military servicemen who took direct part in special operations on enhancing security of Russia, military police employees directly involved in suppression of acts of armed criminals, illegal armed groups and other organized criminal gangs would be put in the advanced list of persons subject to the state protection.

Deadline for check of information on threats to participants of criminal trial processes would be increased. Security services directly implementing further protective measures would be obliged to take part in such checks.

Under the initiative, witness protection may be ceased following the suspension of investigation or termination of a criminal case.

Earlier, the bills were considered and approved by the government.