MOSCOW, April 27 (RAPSI) – Lawmakers from the All-Russia People's Front in the lower house of Russia's parliament, the State Duma, suggest raising fines for state officials who refuse to address mass media requests and withhold information, TASS reported on Monday, citing Natalya Kostenko, head of the Center for Legal Support to Journalists.

State officials face a fine of 1,000 to 3,000 rubles ($20-$60) for refusing to provide information at the request.

Lawmakers prpopose raising the fine to 5,000-10,000 rubles ($100-$200), according to Kostenko.

She also said the Center for Legal Support to Journalists is urging journalists to forward official refusals to provide information to the center. “We will analyze these refusals and file a motion with the Supreme Court to adjust the judicial practice on such offenses,” Kostenko said.