The State Duma adopted in the first reading a bill on criminal liability for blocking transport, if this caused harm to health or damage to property. It was initiated by Dmitry Vyatkin (United Russia). He argues that the bill is not related to demonstrations.

      Punishment for blocking streets under the bill:

      up to two years in prison, if the damage to health was minor;

      up to three years if the damage to health was moderate;

      up to four years, if the damage to health was serious or if there was major damage to property;

      up to eight years, if this resulted in the death of one person;

      up to ten years if this has led to two or more deaths.

      The bill also provides for other types of punishment - fines of up to 700 thousand rubles, compulsory or forced labor, if the crime did not lead to the death of a person. Mr. Vyatkin said that the bill was not related to public actions. Amendments are made to Art. 267 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.