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1. Getting Russian citizenship could be a lot easier if the Russian parliament approves a new bill submitted by the cabinet on March 11, 2014.
The State Duma is expected to consider the draft law in first hearing on Tuesday, said Ivan Melnikov, first vice-speaker of the lower chamber of the Russian parliament.
There’sonecaveat, however. Those who apply for a simplified procedure would have to denounce their current citizenship. A special commission will interview applicants to ascertain whether they can qualify as Russian-speaking people.
2. Russians holding several citizenships would be obliged to notify the authorities – or face a penalty.
Penned by liberal democrat Sergey Ivanov, the bill sets forth punishment for those who fail to report their status. If the draft law is approved by MPs, keeping silent would cost individuals between 1,500 and 2,500 roubles.
If a person holds a position that does not legally allow for foreign citizenship, he or she might be convicted to a fine of 40,000 roubles, up to 360 hours of communal labour, up to 2 years of corrective labour or arrest for 3 months.
Harsher penalties are expected for state officials.
3. A group of legislators have proposed to refine the concept of self-defense. According to the bill, home owners would be given a carte blanche to defend themselves, including murdering intruders.
If passed into law, the bill would allow home owners to use any legal devices to protect their life and health, including traps.
The sponsors of the draft law say they want to change the current court practice when those who kill intruders, including robbers who threaten owners with knives or firearms, are often convicted.
You can find more law news on our website. If you are interested in some specific piece of legislation, you can request translation services.
Sources: http://ria.ru http://www.newsru.com
Author: Mikhail Vesely
