Russia boosts secret service powers

Medvedev has defended the law, saying earlier this month that its aim was to improve Russian legislation and had been drawn up on his personal orders.

“Every country has a right to fine-tune its legislation, including in respect to special services,” he said.

The Kremlin has also said the law will help combat extremism and prevent illegal participation in anti-government activities such as protest rallies.

Under the 2000-2008 presidency of former KGB agent Vladimir Putin, the FSB dramatically increased its influence over Russian society.