Russia wants to introduce criminal punishment for insulting officials, including on the Internet

Russia intends to introduce a criminal penalty of up to two years' imprisonment for publicly insulting a representative of the authorities on the Internet or in the mass media.

Thus, the State Duma Committee on Security and Counteraction to Corruption proposes to toughen the punishment for publicly insulting a representative of the authorities with community service of up to 460 hours or correctional labour for up to two years. It is also envisaged to increase the fine to 80 thousand rubles. Under current norms, Russians face a fine of up to Br40,000, compulsory labour for up to 360 hours or correctional labour for up to a year for such an offence.

As for swearing and insults on the Internet against officials, a Russian can face a fine of up to 1 million rubles with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions for up to three years, compulsory labour for up to 480 hours, compulsory labour for up to two years or imprisonment for up to two years.

The Russian Government has already supported this initiative.