Liability for holding unauthorized public events

We remind you of the administrative and criminal liability for holding unauthorised public events during the election campaign.

In accordance with the federal law 'On meetings, rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets', the organizer of a public event has the right to hold meetings in places and at times agreed upon with the executive authority of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation or a local government body; meetings - in a specially designated or adapted place that makes it possible to ensure the safety of citizens during the event.

Administrative liability in the form of a fine of 10,000 roubles to administrative detention for up to 15 days is established in cases where a participant in a public event violates the established procedure for holding meeting, as well as for the organization of mass simultaneous stay and (or) movement of citizens in public places, resulting in a violation of public order.

Criminal liability is provided for mass riots, as well as for repeated violation of the established procedure for organizing or holding a meeting, rally, demonstration, march or picket, with a sentence of up to 5 years' imprisonment.