Tear down a propaganda poster, face 5 years in jail
There is a growing problem with people tearing down and damaging pro-war posters and symbols, Russian lawmakers explain as they adopt new repressive legislation.
A new law that threatens perpetrators with up to five years in prison for tearing down pro-war propaganda posters and symbols was adopted this week by the State Duma, The lower house of the Russian Parliament.
Damage to war posters is a growing problem, the legislators admit in a description of the new law.
The bill was approved in a second and third reading on February 19, OVD-info reports.
The new legislation significantly toughens article 167 of the Russian Criminal Code. Until now, deliberate harm to property could be punished with up to two years in prison and more serious cases of hooliganism, arson and explosions - with up to five years.
From now on, «any destruction or damage to property inflicted on basis of political, ideological motivation, race, national or religious hate or animosity to any social group» will qualify for five years in prison, OVD-info reports.
Members of the Putin-loyal assembly originally proposed the new legislation in spring 2024, arguing that there was a growing need to clamp down on «destruction and harm to the property of people and organizations that support the special military operation with placing visual pro-war information on their buildings, installations and cars.»
