Strengthening security measures at Russian polling stations in Switzerland on the day of the State Duma elections

Security measures on the territory of Russia's permanent mission to the UN in Geneva will be strengthened on voting day in the State Duma elections.

In Switzerland, two polling stations will be opened on September 20: at the Russian Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva and on the territory of the Russian Embassy in Bern.

Russian citizens who turn out to vote will need to undergo enhanced security measures, including screening, searches of personal belongings and video surveillance.

GENEVA, September 15 - RIA Novosti. Security measures on the territory of Russia's permanent mission to the UN in Geneva will be strengthened on voting day in the State Duma elections, Consul General of the Russian Federation Igor Popov told RIA Novosti.

Two polling stations will be open for voting in Switzerland on September 20: citizens living in the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Valais, Neuchâtel and Friborg will be able to cast their vote at the Russian Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva. There will also be a site on the territory of the Russian Embassy in Bern.

“We ask all our fellow citizens who come to vote to be understanding of the enhanced control measures at the entrance. There will be a frame and an inspection, including an inspection of personal belongings. Some more measures will be taken inside the permanent mission, including video surveillance,” he said.

According to him, the Russian diplomatic mission asked the cantonal authorities to strengthen security at the entrance to the permanent mission and the area around it in order to avoid crowds of people and possible demonstrations.

“Our request was received with understanding, but we will see how much it will be implemented on election day, because they usually make decisions at the last moment,” the diplomat noted.