The State Duma has upheld the bill prohibiting the display of the Nazi symbols in a bid to curb the nationalist tendencies in the Russian society.

      Heavier fines are now imposed on anyone displaying the Nazi signs or propagating the Nazi ideas: 1000-2000RUB for citizens, 1000-4000RUB for companies, and 10K-50K RUB for those in power.

      At the same time, the law now embraces the "symbols of extremist organisations".  By these are meant organisations whose symbols and signs were officially registered that, however, have incurred a legal decision to be dismissed or liquidated. 

      The observers now fear that this may become the way to curb the opposition movement. However, this may be more to do with the vagueness of law, than any real plans to slam down the opposition. 

      The law against the display of Nazi symbols is regarded as a helping tool to control popular xenophobia amidst the active migration of Russia's citizens and the citizens of the CIS republics. As the deputees admit, it is perplexing to even imagine that in the country that once crushed Fascism there are people who wear Fascist symbols. 

      Source: BBC.