Russia introduces penalties for officials failing to combat extremism

Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted a law that holds government officials accountable for failing to implement the decisions of the Interdepartmental Commission for Countering Extremism.

The legislation has been formally promulgated and is now accessible on the official portal for legal acts.

Under the amended Code of the Administrative Offenses, officials who neglect the commission’s directives will face fines ranging from 30,000 ($370) to 50,000 ($620) rubles. In addition, they may be disqualified from holding state or municipal positions for a period of six months to three years. Disqualification bars officials from occupying public office and is designed to ensure compliance with federal and regional anti-extremism policies.

The Interdepartmental Commission for Countering Extremism, established by presidential decree in 2011, coordinates the work of federal and regional authorities in combating extremist activities. The commission is chaired by the Minister of Internal Affairs, with the Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) serving as deputy chair. The new law strengthens accountability by linking fines and disqualification to noncompliance, reinforcing Russia’s administrative measures against extremism.

By Vafa Guliyeva