VR wants to introduce criminal liability for “Russian World” propaganda

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

The Verkhovna Rada has registered the bill # 9139, which provides for the introduction of criminal liability for the promotion of "Russian World". It is reported by 112-Ukraine Information Agency.

"The current legislation of Ukraine prohibits only the communist and national-socialist regimes, not paying attention to the spawning idea of the Russian world, which embraces in particular the elimination of Ukraine’s independence," the explanatory note says.

They propose to enshrine the concept of “Russian World” in law and establish which actions stand behind the propaganda of this idea:

    actions with signs of separatism – in particular, calls for rallies under the slogans of joining the Russian Federation;

    justifying military aggression by “protecting the Russian and Russian-speaking population”;

    disseminating an idea of uniting the Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian peoples;

    disseminating an idea of self-sufficiency and uniqueness of the Russian or Slavic civilization;

    exaltation until the formation of the cult of persons-leaders of the Russian Federation;

    disseminating an idea of the exceptional status of Moscow Orthodoxy.

It is proposed that the Criminal Code should provide for liability for committing the above actions in the form of restriction or imprisonment for up to 5 years with or without confiscation of property. If the violation is committed by a representative of the authorities or someone using the media, it foresees the punishment from 5 to 10 years in prison.

It is assumed that a presidential candidate or a deputy will not be registered if he promotes the Russian World or refers to the political force being engaged in it.

Read also