Russian Interior Officers Address Use of Azhur Handcuffs and Related Practices
The leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs circulated guidance to regional authorities concerning the use of Azhur equipment, a form of handcuffs that can function as both restraints and shackles. A department representative, Irina Volk, confirmed the directive and clarified key safety and policy considerations.
Officials stressed that abuses must be ruled out, and use of this equipment against women, minors, or individuals suspected or charged with economic crimes is prohibited. The policy aims to ensure proportionality and dignity in escorting suspects while maintaining public safety.
Volk noted that departmental regulations also address the use of private vehicles by officers, with decisions tailored to the overall risk profile of those being escorted and the dynamic situation on the ground.
The timing followed a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and members of the Human Rights Council, where the issue of handcuffing in court settings was raised by council member Eva Merkacheva. Putin responded that such practices would not be tolerated and pledged to halt them unconditionally where they occur.
Merkacheva described a device known as Openwork, a hybrid handcuff system that can be worn as restraints or used in conjunction with other restraints, and she highlighted the rapid response from the Ministry of Internal Affairs after her remarks was noted on social channels.
The human rights advocate also emphasized two additional points not included in the initial report but conveyed to the president. First, she drew attention to the nonimplementation of court orders regarding the residence of children, underscoring widespread concerns about families affected by such delays and absences of judicial enforcement.
Merkacheva cited numerous cases where children are separated from their mothers for extended periods despite court rulings. She described examples of families facing prolonged disputes over child custody and residence, illustrating the broader impact of court noncompliance on children and parents alike.
Second, she urged authorities to address discriminatory crimes against women, including practices akin to female genital mutilation. Merkacheva noted that terminology in medical literature often avoids the term directly and explained that the procedure involves serious harm and cannot be equated with male circumcision. She reminded officials that historical international efforts have sought to end these practices.
She mentioned that a decade ago the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution aimed at ending these harms, and she encouraged continued international and domestic action to protect girls and women from such violations. Mothers have reported significant restrictions on mobility and autonomy, with many experiencing violence, limited education opportunities, and coercive marriage arrangements, all of which necessitate stronger legal and social safeguards.
Merkacheva urged the president to consider legislation that outlaws the practice of female genital mutilation and establishes criminal responsibility for acts tied to lingering traditional customs from earlier eras. She also called for high-level consultations led by the Investigative Committee and the Interior Ministry with regions including Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia to address these urgent concerns and implement reforms that safeguard women and children across the federation.