Statute of state security

Statute of state security

1. Key Facts

2. Alexander III introduced statute in wake of Alexander II, to try and destroy 'The people's will' and other opposition

3. The statute allowed for the govt to be in control of courts

   • Used a lot when trying opposition parties without a jury

4. These courts stayed until 1917

5. Press freedom was restricted

   • 14 newspapers were banned between 1882-1889 for displaying liberal tendencies
     • Foreign books and newspapers were censored by the Okhrana

6. Universities were brought under strict govt suspicion

   • Fees were increased to exclude all but the wealthy students
   • In 1884, unit came under full govt control
   • Unis across Russia were temporarily closed in 1889 because of student demonstrations against govt control