The law introducing a penalty for offending religious feelings has been signed today by President Vladimir Putin, and came into force on the date of its signing. Now in Russia blasphemers of all sorts will be criminally prosecuted.
The law changes Article 148 of the Penal Code, the article on responsibility for obstructing the exercise of the right to freedom of conscience and religion. Now, all public actions expressing obvious disrespect for society and committed to insult the religious feelings of believers, including places of worship, prayer and other religious rites, will be punished by penalties of up to three years in prison. Less stringent punishment options involve fines of up to 500 thousand rubles, and mandatory corrective work.
If such acts were committed in an official capacity with the use or threat of violence, in addition to imprisonment, the criminals will be deprived of the right to occupy certain positions for up to two years.
