Volodin announces shift from criminal to administrative liability for enforcing sanctions
MOSCOW. June 14 (Interfax) - The bill imposing criminal liability for enforcing anti-Russian sanctions in Russia will be substantially changed to reflect the wishes of the business community, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said.
"The first part of the bill [regarding liability] will be changed substantially with respect to the shift from criminal to administrative liability," Volodin told journalists on Thursday.
It is too early to talk about the final version of the bill, which has passed the first reading, he said. "So far we are discussing [the version for the second reading]," Volodin said.
A discussion of the bill was followed by proposals from business representatives and experts, and the common theme was that administrative rather than criminal liability should be imposed on those who enforce anti-Russian sanctions on Russian territory, Volodin said.
As for the second part of the bill, which imposes criminal liability on Russian citizens knowingly facilitating sanctions against Russia, everyone is in favor of the clause, he said.
"The business community and experts think it should stay in place and even get tougher," he said, noting that with respect to the latter proposal, "We approach this skeptically, we consider it excessive, we should not harm our own country and our own business."
The final version of the bill must ensure that its implementation creates conditions for attracting investment and protecting Russian business, Volodin said.
The possibility of criminal liability for those lobbying, advancing, and initiating anti-Russian sanctions would be reasonable, he said.