Medvedev upholds re-criminalization of slander
MOSCOW. Dec 7 (Interfax) - Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said he shares lawmakers' decision to re-criminalize slander, given that financial liability has been introduced for this offence.
"Lawmakers, including State Duma deputies, among them those representing the United Russia party, have proposed a variant introducing liability for slander - something that no one can contest - in the form of fines which the slanderer will be obliged to pay, instead of reprisals like prison confinement," Medvedev said.
Medvedev said his position "absolutely coincides with what was done" in this respect.
"Financial liability envisions fines if the fact of slander has been proven. This would be normal," he said.
Medvedev also said that slander is deemed a criminal offence in the absolute majority of European criminal codes.
During his tenure as president Medvedev expressed support for the proposed decriminalization of slander.