Russian lawmakers have passed a new anti-terrorism bill allowing the military to shoot down hijacked passenger planes.
The lower house of parliament, the Duma overwhelmingly passed the bill Sunday 423 to 1. It now goes to the upper house, where it is likely to pass, and then to President Vladimir Putin who is expected to sign it.
The new law would let the the military shoot down a hijacked jet if terrorists threaten to fly into a building or populated target.
It also gives the Russian president the authorization to order a counter-terrorist operation outside Russian territory and allows authorities to monitor telephone calls and other electronic communications.
The bill also defines terrorism and what constitutes a terrorist act.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
