Putin approves tougher responsibility for extremism

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law reinforcing criminal responsibility for extremist activities, according to the today's statement of the state system of legal information.

The law tightens the criminal responsibility for public appeals to extremist activities, inciting incitement of hatred or enmity, abasement of human dignity, for the creation of an extremist community, organizing its activities and participation in it.

For public calls to extremist activities, the document sets the lower fine limit of 300,000 roubles, while the top limit remains the same – 500,000 roubles. The article assumes imprisonment for up to four years (now – up to three).

Organization of an extremist community entails a fine of 200,000-500,000 roubles, or an increased imprisonment – from 4 to 6 years. The maximum fine for organizing an extremist organization has grown up to 500,000 roubles, and the imprisonment term – up to 6 years. Participation in such extremist organizations or communities will be punishable with the terms increased from 2 to 4 years, says the text of the law published on the portal of legal information.