Proposes Removal of Unconventional Language from Context
Russian Lawmaker Proposes Stricter Penalties for Public Profanity
Alexander Aksenenko, deputy chairman of the State Duma committee on construction and housing and utilities, has suggested classifying the use of profanity in public as a separate administrative offense, with increased fines for offenders. Aksenenko made these comments during the forum "Russian Language - the Foundation of National Security and Sovereignty of Russia," as reported by Interfax.
According to Aksenenko, such a classification would serve as a deterrent for individuals who engage in foul language in public spaces. He added that the State Duma's inter-factional working group on protecting traditional values is set to review the relevant amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses at the end of spring or beginning of summer.
Currently, using profanity in public places is an administrative offense punishable by fines of up to 1,000 rubles or administrative arrest for up to 15 days, according to Article 20.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Earlier in April, Aksenenko had proposed significant increases in fines for profanity in public places and on the internet. Under his proposal, individuals could face fines of up to 10,000 or 20,000 rubles, while legal entities would see a substantial increase in penalties.
In his Telegram channel, Aksenenko commented that increasing responsibility for profanity would encourage law enforcement to pay more attention to such violations and would likely make citizens think twice before using obscene language in public.
As of recent years, there have been discussions among Russian lawmakers about increasing fines for public profanity, with no major amendments yet officially implemented in 2025. No definitive timeline for new increases has been publicly established or widely reported in international media as of May 2025. For up-to-date or official information specific to 2025, consult recent Russian government press releases or legal bulletins.
The proposal by Alexander Aksenenko, a Russian lawmaker, to increase fines for public profanity highlights the ongoing discussions and proposed policy-and-legislation changes in the realm of politics. In the general news, this means that the conversation around strengthening national norms and values, including language usage, continues to be a focus in Russia.
