Russian authorities intend to introduce penalties for "Russophobia" into the Criminal Code
The Russian authorities intend to introduce into the Criminal Code penalties for "Russophobia", defined as discrimination against Russian citizens and residents of the Russian Federation by foreigners, reports Radio Svoboda.
The Interfax news agency reported on September 23 that it had obtained a government document outlining this initiative and establishing that people accused of Russophobia can be tried in absentia.
The Cabinet approved the project, but said that the punishment for people convicted of Russophobia should be revised. The bill says that the punishment for Russophobia must be "prohibition of convicted persons from holding certain positions and carrying out certain activities in Russia."
The government argues that this sentence is illogical, because the charge of Russophobia refers to people outside of Russia. In recent years, especially after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently accused Western officials of so-called "Russophobia."
