All-nation fingerprint database for Russia

Every Russian's fingerprints may soon be collected into a comprehensive database as the country's investigative committee claims this will make searching for criminals and identifying them easier.

Talking about the project, Bastrykin cited the chief investigator of the terrorist attack on the “Nevsky Express,” the train traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg that was blown up late last year. The investigator has claimed that the criminals would have been found much quicker had such a database already been in existence.

The Russian government said that around 70 percent of all Russian citizens are in favor of the measure. However, judging from the experience of other countries, the issue is not that easy.

In the United Kingdom, when Tony Blair proposed the introduction of identity cards, the population split into two camps – those that said they had nothing to hide, and those who were shocked by the measure arguing, they were no criminals.

Russians, too, are not quite sure they want to be subjected to such procedures.

People on the streets of Russia told RT that they do not like to be controlled and put under pressure. Moreover, even though the procedure can really make the search for criminals easier, at the same time it is clearly a breach of human rights.

Others, however, believe that the measure will be more effective than a passport because it will better be able to help control people.