Sometimes dialogues in community chats turn into quarrels, insults, defamation, and even threats. We tell you what actions can be punished with fines and imprisonment.
In Russia, administrative liability is provided for insulting and using profanity towards another person. It does not matter where it happened - in a public place or in a common chat. Defamation or threats may even result in a criminal case.
Insults and profanity. Rude words and insults directed at other users may entail administrative liability under the article "Insult". Violators face a fine of 1,000 to 3,000 rubles.
Defamation. Dissemination of inaccurate information that damages the reputation and dignity of another person may lead to criminal prosecution in accordance with the article "Defamation". Depending on the severity of the consequences, the punishment may include a fine or imprisonment for up to three years.
Threats. If the messages contain threats of causing physical harm or death, this may be qualified as a criminal offense under the article "Threat of Murder". The maximum penalty for such an act is imprisonment for up to two years.
Incitement of ethnic hatred. Statements that insult people on national, racial, or religious grounds may be qualified under the article "Incitement of hatred or enmity, as well as humiliation of human dignity". This is punishable by up to six years of imprisonment.
Dissemination of personal information. Dissemination in the chat of personal information about other people without their permission may lead to administrative punishment in accordance with the article on violation of Russian legislation in the field of personal data. For individuals, fines range from 2,000 to 6,000 rubles.
Earlier, the head of the State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption, Vasily Piskarev, prepared amendments to the Criminal Code of Russia. These changes propose punishment for public insult of officials in the media and on the Internet.
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