Law & Legislation

Russian lawmakers propose fines for swearing in the media

The State Duma Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Construction has recommended that the Duma approve in the first reading a bill stipulating large fines for bad language in the media.

16:49 14.01.2013

Cuba abolishes the exit visa

A law abolishing exit visas in Cuba came into effect on Monday, according to local media reports. For the first time since 1961, Cubans will be able to leave the country without the special permission from the government or an invitation from the host country.

13:52 14.01.2013

Justice Ministry urges treatment of intoxication as aggravating circumstance

A bill was published on the Russian Justice Ministry's website Wednesday proposing amendments to the Criminal Code that would treat alcohol and drug intoxication as aggravating circumstances for sentencing concerns in considering the commission of a crime.

12:14 11.01.2013

Russian prisons ordered to provide external medical care

The Russian government has required the Federal Penitentiary Service to provide prisoners and detainees with medical services external to detention facilities in cases where detention centers are unable to provide such services.

14:15 10.01.2013

Adoption agreement with U.S. no longer effective - Foreign Ministry

The adoption agreement with the United States is no longer in effect and attempts to misrepresent Moscow's position on the issue are unacceptable, reads a comment posted by the Foreign Ministry on its website.

12:58 10.01.2013

Putin cracks down on residential registration violations

President Vladimir Putin has submitted to the State Duma a bill which, if enacted, would introduce criminal liability for violations of registration rules concerning primary and temporary places of residence committed by Russian citizens, foreigners, or stateless individuals, the State Duma told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

16:52 09.01.2013

Putin slams Bolivian efforts to keep coca leaf consumption legal

Russian President Vladimir Putin has submitted a bill to the State Duma protesting a reservation stipulated by Bolivia's reservation to the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, pursuant to which growing coca bushes is allowed in the country.

15:00 09.01.2013

US foreclosure settlement angers Wall Street critics

A multibillion-dollar settlement announced Monday between US financial regulators and major banks over alleged abuses related to home foreclosures is the latest example of the financial industry running roughshod over the rule-of-law without repercussions, Wall Street critics said.

17:00 08.01.2013

Russian MPs seek ban on foreign education for children of officials

A Just Russia party is planning to submit to the State Duma a bill that would prohibit the children of state officials, judges, and the senior management of state corporations from studying abroad.

12:09 29.12.2012

US adoptions banned over child protection matters - Russian FM

The Russian Foreign Ministry has indicated inadequate legal protection in the face of numerous abuse cases as one of the reasons why Americans were banned from adopting Russian children.

11:16 29.12.2012

Top news

Russian courts allowed not to implement rulings of Europe's human rights court

Russia's Supreme Court proposed not to implement rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the provisions of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR).

12:53 09.12.2025

Redomiciliation stalls: How sanctions are shaping new practices for Russian companies

The mechanism for redomiciliating foreign companies to Russian jurisdiction, in effect since 2018, has recently encountered serious obstacles. Taking into account the background of sanctions-related restrictions introduced in 2022 through 2025, it has become extremely difficult to achieve the goal. The situation gave rise to the phenomenon of dual domicile and led to a rise in the number of new litigations, both in Russia and abroad.

12:32 09.12.2025

Soldiers jailed for killing US journalist Russell Bentley

A military court in Donetsk sentenced three soldiers to up to 12 years in prison for torturing and killing Russell Bentley, a 63-year-old U.S. national who collaborated with Sputnik news agency.

14:05 08.12.2025