LDPR Proposes Criminal Liability for Passport Contempt in Russia
A bill drafted by the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) seeks to introduce criminal liability for acts of contempt toward the Russian passport and related symbols. The document calls for amendments to Article 329 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and outlines penalties for offenses involving the State Emblem, the State Flag, or the passport of a Russian citizen.
The proposed changes specify that violations of national symbols or the passport could lead to a range of punishments, including restriction of freedom for up to one year, or forced labor for a similar period. In more serious cases, imprisonment or detention could fall within a three to six month window, with the possibility of deprivation of liberty up to one year.
According to the explanatory notes accompanying the bill, there were media reports beginning on February 24, 2022, showing Russian citizens burning their passports on camera. The intention behind the proposal is to clarify and strengthen the legal framework surrounding acts that damage or dishonor state documents and symbols.
At present, acts that intentionally damage a passport fall under issues of administrative offenses. Article 19.16 of the Administrative Offences Code notes that deliberate destruction or damage, or negligent storage leading to loss, can entail administrative liability in the form of a fine ranging from 100 to 300 rubles. The LDPR measure aims to elevate such acts to a criminal level when directed at the passport or national symbols.
Historically, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported high demand for Russian passports in the new regions, with thousands of residents applying daily. The new legislative initiative appears as part of a broader debate about the protections surrounding state identity documents and the public symbols that symbolize the nation. While supporters argue the need for clear penalties to deter offenses, opponents may question proportionality and civil-liberty considerations in the enforcement of stricter penalties. This balance remains a focal point in ongoing discussions about national identity, governance, and the rule of law. Source: DEA News