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Photo Credit: http://www.lazare.ru
1. Movie ban
A member of the Federation Council, Russia’s upper chamber of parliament, seeks a ban on movies that distort the image of Russia and Russian culture.
Batu Khasikov, who represents the Republic of Kalmykia, explains he wants to help the younger generation become patriots, according to the Interfax news agency.
Movies that demonize Russia or show Russian culture as primitive must be banned, said Khasikov.
The move echoes a similar move by Ukraine’s authorities who banned two Russian movies because of what they claimed was disrespect for Ukraine’s statehood.
Russia is facing increasing pressure from the West over its alleged role in the Ukraine conflict, which Russia denies.
2. Bribes don’t pay
MPs are considering a bill that would discourage corruption as it strips officials implicated in bribery of their extra bonuses when they retire.
Public servants who have worked for 25 years in office are eligible for an additional payment when they leave the work force. It could amount up to 75 percent of their salaries during employment.
Given a recent pay rise for civil servants, elderly bribe-takers could enjoy quite a luxurious life – despite some embarrassment.
Oleg Mikheyev, from the Fair Russia party, cites Singapore’s success in tackling corruption with similar moves.
3. Drink don’t drive / Drive don’t drink
Russian legislators seek tougher sanctions against drunken driving, this time they want driving licenses to be suspended for up to 20 years, according to the Izvestia newspaper.
If the bill is approved, drunken drivers would lose their licenses for up to 5 years in case of grave injuries, in case of one death the term is extended up to 10 years and in case of multiple deaths, motorists risk losing their license for up to 20 years, says the report.
Last year saw 204,000 traffic accidents, with a total death toll at 27,000 people and more than 258,000 injured.
Author: Mikhail Vesely
