MOSCOW, July 11 (RAPSI) – Russia’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor has ordered VKontakte to delete a comment insulting state symbols from one of the social network’s group, the agency’s spokesperson Vadim Ampelonsky has told journalists.

The regulator has received a request to delete the comment from the Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia. According to Ampelonsky, the post contains a vicious image in front of the state flag and inscription of the Russian Constitution.

Earlier, Russia’s Civic Chamber found more than 100 publications insulting state symbols and crippling morality and civic consciousness during the monitoring of social networks VKontakte, Facebook and Instagram.

On March 18, President Vladimir Putin signed a bill on blocking of websites containing defamatory information insulting Russia's society, state symbols and state bodies into law. The law stipulates fines from 30,000 rubles (about $455) to 100,000 rubles ($1,500). In case the offence is committed for the second time, it is to be punishable with fines from 100,000 rubles to 200,000 rubles ($1,500 – 3,000), or administrative detention for up to 15 days. Repeated violations are to be punished with fines ranging from 200,000 rubles to 300,000 rubles ($3,000 – 4,500), or administrative detention for the same term.

In early July, Putin entrusted prosecutors, police and Roskomndazor with analyzing the regulatory enforcement and ordered them to take measures if needed to prevent unfounded penalties and website blocking until November 1.