The State Duma has passed a law tightening anti-extremism legislation

State Duma deputies have passed a law tightening anti-extremism legislation in both the second and third readings. This was reported by the press service of the lower house of parliament.

Amendments are being made to the article on incitement of hatred or enmity (Article 282 of the Criminal Code). Under the current version, prosecution under this article is only possible if, within one year, a person has already faced prosecution under a similar administrative article. Now, the amendment will allow a criminal case to be initiated immediately if investigators see in the defendant’s words “justification or promotion of violence,” as well as “the threat of its use.”

In addition, criminal prosecution will be possible if the person involved already has a conviction for offences relating to incitement to extremism or repeated display of prohibited symbols.

The Justice Ministry’s proposal to tighten this article was approved by the government at the end of January. The draft law was passed in the first reading at the beginning of April.