Since June 9, 2012, rallies and street processions in Russia have been held under the new rules. Legislators have adopted appropriate amendments to the "Law on Assemblies, Rallies, Demonstrations, Processions and Picketing", as well as to the Code of Administrative Offenses. Changes in the legislation have significantly toughened the requirements for protesters.
After approval by the President of Russia and official publication in the press, the new legislation on holding public events came into force. The first thing that catches your eye is the increased responsibility of the organizers of rallies and demonstrations for all kinds of violations. The maximum fine for citizens will now be 300 thousand rubles, and for officials - 600 thousand. Legal entities guilty of violating the requirements of the administrative code during rallies are now facing a fine of up to 1 million rubles. In some cases, the law provides for the punishment of compulsory labor. Responsibility for violations will be valid throughout the year, until the expiration of the statute of limitations.
There are new bans on protesters. Now it is impossible to protest in a state of alcoholic intoxication and hide your face during a rally. It will not work to disguise a public action as a "festivities". The organizers of the rallies will not be able to become persons who have an outstanding criminal record or who have previously been repeatedly prosecuted for violations of the administrative legislation governing the conduct of mass rallies. Some of the current leaders of the "non-systemic" opposition, thus, will not be able to apply for participation in the mass event. Promotions, as the law says, must end no later than 22 hours.
The amendments to the law, however, somewhat expanded the possibilities for discussing issues of concern to society and expressing opinions. Now in the regions of the country special places may appear - the so-called "Hyde Parks". Such promotions will not require prior approval. The main thing is that the number of participants is at least 100 people. At the same time, the authorities were asked to determine the places where mass events are prohibited.
The purpose of the amendments, RIA Novosti notes, was to ensure the observance of the legal rights and interests of all citizens of the country, including those who do not consider it necessary to participate in protest actions. Legislators are confident that tougher responsibility will make political actions in the country more predictable and civilized, and citizens' participation in rallies safer.
