An article on “Russophobia” abroad will be introduced into the Criminal Code
The Government of Russia has prepared a positive response to the proposal to introduce criminal liability for “Russophobia” abroad. Under Russophobia, legislators understand the discrimination of Russian citizens by foreign officials or public appeals to it.
The draft also states that Russian courts can judge on similar articles in absentia, without the presence of the defendants.
The government made a comment regarding what punishment is proposed to be introduced under this article. In the current project, it is planned to ban foreign persons who are found guilty from “holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities” in Russia. The Cabinet of Ministers believes that such a punishment will be difficult to implement in practice, since we are talking about people living abroad.
The proposal to introduce criminal liability for “Russophobia” was already raised at the end of last year. Then he was supported by the government commission on legislative activities. The draft article is about discrimination of citizens and permanent residents of Russia abroad. There is no punishment for “Russophobia” on the territory of Russia. What exactly can be considered discrimination is also not clarified.
- In recent years, especially after the beginning of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, representatives of the Russian authorities declare that “Russophobia” has allegedly engulfed Western countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly spoken about the so-called “decline of Russian culture.” Manifestations of Russophobia include the inclusion of certain persons in sanctions lists and various restrictions imposed on citizens of Russia abroad.
