MOSCOW, June 14 (RAPSI) – The State Duma lawmakers adopted a draft law specifying criminal liability for battery for people having conviction for other crimes committed with the use of force in the third and final reading on Tuesday, according to a statement published on the official website of the parliament’s lower house.

Currently, criminal punishment for beating is envisaged for persons who were subject to administrative liability for similar actions when the term has not yet expired. However, previous convictions for similar actions are not taken into consideration. Thus, if a person commits a repeated offence, he or she will be again subject to administrative penalties.

The passed legislative proposal addresses recommendations the Constitutional Court has given to the current legislation.

Amendments are expected to be introduced in the Criminal Code of Russia.

The bill sets criminal liability for battery or other violent actions that resulted in physical pain but not led to serious health problems. 

Repeated beating cases will be punished with community service for up to a year, restriction of liberty for up to a year or detention for up to six months.