MOSCOW, May 11 (Itar-Tass) — The State Duma lower house of the Russian parliament might approve the bill raising fines for violations during rallies to 1.5 million roubles as early as this session, secretary of the General Council's presidium of the United Russia party, deputy house speaker Sergei Neverov told Itar-Tass on Friday, in comments on the document submitted by his colleagues.
"I believe the bill might be adopted during the spring session. There is enough time," Neverov said.
"The fines up to 1.5 million roubles are a matter of discussion and amendments, they are the measure of last resort; lower fines are also suggested. So it is the toughest and highest degree of punishment envisioned for provocations carried out by organizers, the provocations that occurred on May 6," the politician said.
Answering the question if the amendments might have a negative impact of United Russia's image, Neverov said they might be welcome for those who are inconvenienced by rallies. "I think we have to respect the persons who live or work at the places where rallies are held. He said the persons who live in Chistye Prudy /the venue of the latest rallies/ have flooded the government bodies with complaints about the protesters playing the guitar, singing songs and littering throughout the night.”