Moscow [Russia], December 21: The Russian parliament has passed a law criminalizing the desecration of the orange and black St George's military ribbon. "The St George's Ribbon is one of the symbols of Russia's military glory," a bill published on Tuesday said. Anyone who publicly desecrates the symbol will therefore be punished.
The maximum penalty is five years in prison. Fines of up to $74,500 are also possible. The ribbon of St George dates back to the time of the Tsars and was initially banned by the communists. It was not until the Second World War that it was reintroduced in the Soviet Union as a military ribbon. Since 2005, it has been a commemorative symbol in Russia, which in recent years has increasingly become a sign of recognition for supporting the policies of President Vladimir Putin and most recently his war against Ukraine.
Source: Qatar Tribune
