Duma can ban cards without Russian Crimea

Two bills have been introduced to the State Duma of Russia, involving the introduction of liability for the distribution of images that dispute the territorial integrity of Russia. For example, geographical maps on which the annexed Crimea or the southern Kuril Islands, the belonging of which Japan disputes, are not indicated as part of the Russian territory can be considered such. For their manufacture and demonstration, citizens will face a fine or arrest of up to 15 days, legal entities - a fine of up to 1 million rubles.

As TASS clarifies , the liability will be imposed in cases of "the spread of extremist materials that are not included in the federal list of extremist materials, but are recognized as extremist in accordance with applicable law."

The author of the bill became the State Duma deputy Vasily Piskarev and his deputies Anatoly Elected and Ernest Valeev. Piskaryov mentioned the case of the wallpaper sold in building materials sold in stores for a children's room with the image of the world map, where Crimea was designated as part of Ukraine, and stated that such incidents should be considered part of the "hybrid war unleashed by the West against Russia."

Most countries of the world do not recognize the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, and on the maps published in them the Crimea is designated as the territory of Ukraine. In addition, Crimea is designated as part of Ukraine and on Russian maps published before the annexation in 2014.