08 December 2016, Thursday, 14:59 70

Rada Prohibits Entry Of RF Books With Anti-Ukrainian Content

The Verkhovna Rada has prohibited movements of books with anti-Ukrainian content from the territory of the aggressor state and the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.

Draft law No.5114 as a whole received votes of 237 Members of Parliament, while 226 votes enough for approval, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

Under the law, distribution of printed matter from the aggressor state without proper authorisation is punishable with administrative penalty of 10 minimum pays on the distributors for each count of such distribution committed for the first time and 50 minimum pays for each further count, and the goods shall be seized.

The law also forbids release, making and distribution of products containing materials (expressions, appeals) intended to liquidate the independence of Ukraine, change the constitutional order in a violent manner, violate sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State, undermine its security, illegally seize the state power, propagandise war, violence, Communist or Nazi totalitarian regimes and their marks, foment interethnic, interracial, religious enmity, commit terrorist attacks, encroach upon human rights and liberties, and public health.

It is also forbidden to produce, make and distribute products propagandising the aggressor state, its authorities, public officials, cultural and other workers who express public support to the occupation of Ukraine.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, Vice Prime Minister Viacheslav Kyrylenko supposed that the law would allow a transitional period during which distributors have to withdraw the prohibited books from commerce.