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Duma to introduce punishment by end of May for compliance with anti-Russian sanctions

The legislators would be considering this bill simultaneously with retaliatory measures against US sanctions

MOSCOW, May 11. /TASS/. Russia’s State Duma plans to impose criminal punishment by the end of May for compliance with anti-Russian sanctions in Russian territory, Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin told the media on Friday.

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Colluding with anti-Russian sanctions to carry 3-year prison terms — source

"We are working on proposals for the discussion schedule, which we will consider at a meeting of the Duma’s Council on Monday. Bearing in mind there are positive comments from the government and the Supreme Court, we plan to consider the bill on criminal punishment for compliance with the anti-Russian sanctions in the territory of Russia by the end of May, in accordance with the rules of procedure," Volodin said.

"Presumably, the first reading of the bill will be on May 17, second, on May 22, and third, on May 24," he added.

The legislators would be considering this bill simultaneously with retaliatory measures against US sanctions.

Counter-sanctions project

The bill on countermeasures against unfriendly actions by the United States and other countries was proposed by the leaders of all parliamentary factions and State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin on April 13.

In accordance with the bill the Russian government will be empowered to take a number of steps, including economic and political ones, in retaliation for US unfriendly acts. Among the countermeasures is a ban on the supplies of medicines, alcohol, tobacco, farm produce and manufactures, technological equipment and software.

The same initiative envisages restrictions on cooperation in nuclear power and space rocket engine industries and aircraft building. US citizens prohibited from entering Russia will be blacklisted.

The retaliatory measures will be introduced by the Cabinet of Ministers following a decision by the Russian president. Similar procedures are established for lifting counter-sanctions.

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