Russian lawmakers approve second reading of ‘anti-FBK law’

The Russian State Duma has approved the second reading of a bill banning people who were “involved in the activities” of outlawed extremist or terrorist organizations from running in elections in Russia, RIA Novosti reported on May 25.

The bill, which was approved in the first reading on May 18. Then, lawmakers introduced amendments that deprive anyone linked to an outlawed extremist or terrorist group of the right to be elected at all levels (the original draft law only sought to bar them from running for parliament). However, this will still require separate amendments to regional legislation (regarding regional elections) and to the law on presidential elections, among others.

In addition, the latest version of the bill clarifies what exactly constitutes “involvement” in extremist organizations; signs of involvement include voicing support for the group in question online and making monetary donations to it.

The State Duma is set to consider the bill in its third and final reading on Wednesday, May 26.

This above-mentioned bill was submitted to the State Duma shortly after prosecutors in Moscow filed a lawsuit demanding that the city declare Alexey Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation (the FBK) and political network “extremist” organizations. The media subsequently began referring to the initiative as the “anti-FBK law.”