MOSCOW, November 26 (Sputnik) – The Crimean parliament has passed the first reading of a project, namely the Code, aimed at tackling administrative offenses on the territory of the republic, a Russian regional government news website reported Wednesday.
The Code defines administrative offenses and sets a system of fines.
The highest fines set for damages to objects of historic and artistic value and animal cruelty amount to between 500,000 to 1 mln rubles ($11,000-$22,000) for entities, such as legal bodies and organizations, and 2,500-5,000 rubles ($55-$110) for private persons.
The breach of Crimea’s law on languages, which defines three official languages – Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar, is also deemed an administrative offense and one can be fined up to 1,000 rubles ($22). Moreover, a private person will be fined 500 rubles (roughly $10) for disrespectful treatment of the republic’s flag, anthem, or coat of arms.
The sale and production of homemade alcohol is subject to a 3,000 – 5,000 ruble ($66-$110) fine.
The elimination of animals and plants, which are on the endangered species list, i.e. the Red List, is to be fined with 2,000 rubles ($44) for private persons and up to 30,000 ($666) for entities.
The lowest fines, however, are set for begging, fortunetelling and sexual service offers – 100-500 rubles ($2-$10).
Laws in the republic are only adopted by the parliament after two readings with a compulsive break between the two. Thus far, the parliament has yet to vote on the second reading.
