The Government of the Russian Federation has supported, taking into account the revision, the bill that refers to extremist materials publicly distributed maps challenging the territorial integrity of the country.
As noted in the Cabinet of Ministers, “cartographic and other similar materials, as a rule, perform an exclusively informative function.” At the same time, their inclusion in the concept of “extremist materials” on the basis of the proposed criterion “implies that a particular subject has an intention” to challenge the integrity of the country’s territory.
It is clarified that this initiative was submitted to the State Duma by the head of the Security Committee Vasily Piskarev and his deputies — Ernest Valeev and Anatoly Vyborny. Amendments are being made to Article 1 of the Federal Law “On Countering Extremist Activity”.
Piskarev said earlier that “maps and other images are being actively distributed, where the territorial affiliation of the Crimea, the Kuril Islands, and other territories of our country is being disputed.”
According to him, it is especially dangerous when such materials are designed for a children’s audience, “as was the case with children’s photo wallpapers sold in one of the popular retail chains where Crimea was designated as part of Ukraine.”
For the distribution of maps or images challenging the territorial integrity of Russia, the deputies proposed to fine or detain individuals for up to 15 days. For legal entities, payments can reach one million rubles.
Ru-Main, 10.01.2023
Source: RIA Novosti
