Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has proposed imposing harsher punishments for terrorism and has submitted a bill outlining amendments to the criminal code, the Kremlin's press service said on Saturday.
The bill proposes increasing the length of sentences for those found guilty of terrorism, or the promotion or public incitement of terrorist activities.
Following two suicide bombings in Moscow's subway in March, which killed 40 and injured over 100, many Russian politicians have said it is necessary to increase criminal liability and preventive measures against terrorism.
In April a new bill that allows "preventive measures" against individuals committing extremist actions was submitted to the Russian parliament, fueling fears among opposition parties of a revival of Soviet-era practices.
Russia's mainly Muslim North Caucasus republics, especially Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia, have seen an upsurge of militant violence lately. Experts see the poor social and economic situation in the region as the main reason for the numerous terrorist attacks in the country.
MOSCOW, July 17 (RIA Novosti)
