The Federation Council on Wednesday approved legislation to increase fines by fivefold for officials who restrict public access to information about the activities of state and local authorities, Itar-Tass reported.
The fine for nontransparency and misinformation is currently 500 to 1,000 rubles ($16 to $32) but will increase to 3,000 to 5,000 rubles ($90 to $160) starting July 1 under the bill. Officials will also be fined the same sum if web sites of local and state authorities do not meet official requirements or fail to provide information required by law.
The legislation now goes to President Dmitry Medvedev to be signed into law.
(MT)
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