The Russian ministry of internal affairs (MIA) has drafted special paper, some king of clear explanation, describing what is insulting of state authority bodies or institutions. But the most important thing is that this paper or, if more officially, methodical recommendations, are not of obligatory nature. In other words recommendations only “recommend” and authorities can apply the new law on punishment for insulting of authorities at their own discretion.
The methodical recommendations are designed for police officers. These recommendations explain what publications in social networks should contain in order to be qualified as insult. If such publications in social networks can be positive qualified as insulting, the author of such publication can be face administrative liability under new Russian law. First of all for positive qualification the publication must mention the Russian president, the Russian state duma, the Russian Federation Council, The Russian government and the Russian courts and also the Russian flag, state sign or hymn.
Disrespect to above mentioned objects of insulting must be expressed in “rough form” with obscene lexicon or pornographic and generally obscene images, and also “comparative images or other offensive expression unacceptable by the society”. The author of publication should to “oppose himself to others, to demonstrate arrogance, humiliating attitude to society, state and state symbols”. If even one of the enlisted conditions is not meet, the publication can’t be positive qualified as insulting and therefore there is no justification for administrative liability.
It is also noted that only public publications can trigger administrative liability. The private communications are out of regulation and can’t entail administrative liability.
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