In Russia, an article of the Criminal Code providing for liability for destruction or damage to Red Book species of fungi and plants will come into force in October. Lawyer Tatevik Chuguryan warned Russians that the maximum penalty for picking such mushrooms would be nine years in prison. He also explained:lente.ru”, it is too early to talk about who may face imprisonment, but most likely this will not affect ordinary mushroom pickers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the relevant changes to the Criminal Code in April 2023. According to the document, intentional destruction, damage and illegal extraction, collection, acquisition, storage, transportation, transmission or sale of Red Book plants and fungi will be punishable by up to nine years in prison.
Chuguryan reminded that the changes in the criminal code will come into force on October 12. He noted that the responsibility for carrying out a similar action is also provided for by the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO). The lawyer explained that a particular section will be classified depending on the amount of environmental damage caused, the pattern of criminality and the public danger. Chuguryan also emphasized that mushroom pickers are unlikely to face criminal liability.
For example, the actions of a mushroom picker who accidentally cuts a mushroom that is on the government-approved list do not constitute a crime, and in the context of considering a case of an administrative offense, the proceedings may be terminated altogether for the administrative offense. the triviality of the crime.
Previously, the State Duma announced that criminal sanctions should be introduced for the destruction of rare mushrooms. The Lower House said that protection of particularly valuable vegetation in Russia was inadequate. They noted that Russian criminal legislation contains a similar rule regarding rare animals and aquatic animals.
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