Repressive Measures Intensify: Government Strengthens Extremism Law

The government has endorsed the Ministry of Justice's proposal to toughen the extremism law, allowing for criminal prosecution already on the first offense, reports NewsBox.

The Russian government has approved the initiative by the Ministry of Justice aimed at strengthening the extremism laws, as reported by the newspaper «Vedomosti». The proposed amendments suggest changing the first part of the article, which currently stipulates criminal responsibility only for those who have previously faced administrative penalties. If the bill is passed, criminal prosecution could be initiated for a first-time violation.

Lawyers interviewed by «Vedomosti» believe that these changes essentially criminalize actions that were previously considered administrative offenses, particularly incitement of hatred or hostility.

Furthermore, it is planned to add qualifying attributes to the article, including committing the crime as a group. Experts suggest that this could lead to an increase in the number of criminal cases.