Nazi 'rehabilitation' targeted as Russian lawmakers seek hasher punishment

MOSCOW, April 23 (Itar-Tass) - Deputies debate law on Wednesday seeking to punish attempts to deny or condone Nazi crimes in World War Two and spreading false information about Soviet action during the conflict. Criminal prosecution for Nazi "rehabilitation" would carry a prison sentence of up to five years, proposed in the second reading of a State Duma lower house criminal code amendment bill passed at first reading earlier in the month. Bill sponsor Irina Yarovaya, chairing the Duma committee for security and counteraction to corruption, told lawmakers that “Nazism rehabilitation is a crime against peace and the security of mankind, already recognised as such in international law," she said. "Actions for Nazism rehabilitation is not only a shot in the past and defamation of millions of Nazi victims but is also a shooting of the future. This is instigation to new crimes,” she added. Second reading addresses new provisions "punishing the spread of information about the days of military glory and memorable dates in Russia...showing obvious disrespect of society or pubic desecration of Russian symbols of military glory." This includes dissemination through media and IT networks, including the Internet. Offences would bring administrative fines for legal entities of from 400,000 roubles (around $11,200) to one million roubles (around $28,000). Amendments under discussion introduce a new article covering Nazi rehabilitation in Russia's Criminal Code. This envisages responsibility for “denial of facts exposed in the International Military Tribunal’s verdict for trial and prosecution of main war criminals from European countries of the Axis Alliance, approval of crimes established in the court verdict as well as the spread of deliberately false information about the Soviet Union’s activity during the Second World War..." These crimes will carry a fine of up to 300,000 roubles (around $8,408), correctional labour or up to three years in jail. Heaver penalities are provided for attempts to rehabilitate Nazism via abuse of office or the media and with falsified evidence. Fines are proposed of between 100,000 roubles (around $2,800) to 500,000 roubles (around $14,000), correctional labour or deprivation of freedom for up to five years. Rights to engage in certain positions or activities will be forfeit for up to three years. Learn more on itar-tass.com