Russia inches towards making observation of US sanctions a crime

MOSCOW – Russian lawmakers unanimously approved in its first reading on Tuesday a bill that makes it a criminal offence to observe sanctions imposed by the United States or other countries, as part of counter-sanctions measures against Washington.

The United States last month imposed sanctions on some of Russia's biggest companies and businessmen, striking at allies of President Vladimir Putin to punish Moscow for its alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and other "malign activities".

The draft bill, which will have its second reading on Thursday, would make refusing to supply services or do business with a Russian citizen, citing US or other sanctions, a crime punishable by up to four years in jail.

Any person or representatives of legal entities in Russia found guilty of such an offence could also face other limits on their freedom or fines of up to 600,000 roubles ($9,696).