The new law on rallies on June 6 was approved by the Federation Council, and on June 8 - signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bill provides for a significant increase in penalties and liability for violations during rallies and other mass events.
The new law provides for an increase in fines for violations during rallies and other mass events for citizens from 2 thousand rubles to 300 thousand, for officials - from 50 to 600 thousand rubles. In addition, the law introduces as a punishment free "compulsory work" lasting from 20 to 200 hours, but no more than 4 hours a day during free time from work or study.
Penalties have also been introduced for officials. Coercion to participate in mass events, a ban on participation in legal rallies, as well as obstruction of their organization or holding will entail a fine for citizens - from 10 to 20 thousand rubles, for officials - up to 50 thousand rubles.
The fine will now have to be paid for holding mass events without submitting an application and obtaining permission. In fact, any festive festivities, large promotions and speeches of deputies before voters fall under the action of this paragraph. The amount of the fine for citizens is up to 30 thousand rubles or compulsory work for up to 50 hours, for officials - up to 40 thousand rubles, for legal entities - up to 200 thousand rubles. Not only the initiators of the mass events themselves, but also those who carried out organizational and administrative work will be responsible now.
The new law also established a ban for rally participants to carry means of defense, explosives, flammable substances and alcoholic beverages, it is prohibited to attend rallies in a state of alcoholic or toxic intoxication, the possibility of using any means of disguise, including carnival costumes and medical bandages, is excluded.
The organizers of public events can no longer be persons who have an outstanding conviction for crimes against public order and security, as well as persons who have been brought to justice for violations during mass events more than twice a year.
