Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev lends support for looming bill criminalizing adherence to US sanctions

Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev delivers a speech at the lower house of Russian parliament, the State Duma in Moscow on April 11, 2018. (Photo by AFP)

Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has lent his support for a legislative draft bill in the country’s lower parliament that criminalizes adherence to anti-Russia sanctions imposed by the US.

Asked about the legislative proposal under consideration in Russia’s State Duma that makes the observance of the US sanctions a criminal offense, Medvedev insisted during a televised interview on Saturday that such restrictions were aimed at destroying his nation’s socio-political system and harming the economy and individuals.

"If this is so, then the implementation of these sanctions by citizens of our country should be an offence. No one should have the right to observe these American sanctions for fear of having to take administrative or criminal liability," he further underlined in the interview with state TV channel Rossiya 1.

Medvedev further pointed out that the government should extend support to sanctions-hit Russian companies in efforts to make sure jobs are not lost.

Washington imposed extensive sanctions on a number of Russia's largest companies and business people on April 6, specifically targeting allies of President Vladimir Putin in a move intended to punish Moscow for its alleged interference in 2016 US presidential election as well as other so-called destructive activities.

Russian officials, however, have repeatedly denied such accusations, noting that they are not responsible for possible actions perpetrated by individual Russian citizens unless the US submits legal proof of election meddling by them.  

Speaking on other issues, Medvedev further stated that Russia will soon make a decision on raising the pension age in the country.

Elaborating on his future plans in Russian political scene, he said he was interested in continuing his work in a role that brought maximum benefit to his nation.