Russian Fans Involved in Euro-2016 Clashes Could Be Prosecuted in Russia

Russian football fans who participated in clashes in France during the Euro-2016 tournament last week could be prosecuted in their home country upon their return, a source in a Russian law enforcement agency said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On June 11, the Russian national football team met England in the UEFA Euro-2016 tournament in France. Following the match, which ended in a draw, about 30 Russian fans gained access to an area of the Marseille stadium with English fans, having broken through a security cordon. Violence ensued and security forces had to separate the rival groups.

Charges could be made if the French authorities send a request for such action to the Russian counterparts and provide evidence to establish the guilt of the individuals involved, the source told RIA Novosti.

"It is not very important that Russia and France have different legislation. Russian citizens are obliged to abide by Russian laws wherever they are. The same responsibility exists under the Criminal Code for crimes committed outside Russia, including beatings, personal injuries or destruction of property. For participating in a riot, for example, [the penalty] is up to eight years in prison," the source said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the behavior of some Russian football fans at the Euro 2016 tournament was unacceptable, however, he also noted that there were some provocations.