People convicted of extremism not to be elected for 5 years after conviction expunged - Russian bill

MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - The State Duma Committee on State Building and Legislation approved an amendment on Wednesday to bar Russian citizens convicted of extremist crimes from being elected for five years after their conviction expires or is expunged.

The amendment has been added to the table of amendments to the bill that establishes unified principles and parameters of online voting in all elections and referenda held in the Russian territory.

In addition, the State Duma Committee approved an amendment, which prohibits Russian citizens convicted of child molestation from being elected.

People convicted of "coercion of a minor to sexual intercourse, sodomy, lesbianism or other kinds of sexual actions by blackmail, threats of destruction, damage or seizure of property, or using the material or other dependence of the victim" as defined by Part 2 Article 133 of the Russian Criminal Code will be added to the list of criminals subject to restrictions under Federal Law No. 67-FZ.

"Persons older than 18 convicted on counts of sexual intercourse with a person younger than 16" under Part 1 Article 134 of the Criminal Code will not be allowed to be elected either.

The ban will be in effect for five years after the conviction expires or is expunged.

The restrictions will be imposed both on Russian citizens and foreigners who commit such crimes, the amendment, approved by the Committee, said.