In 2013, Russia passed an ‘anti-LGBTQ propaganda’ bill into law. This bill prevents the promotion of LGBTQ ideologies towards minors in Russia, enforced by the reasoning that LGBTQ ideologies are a contradiction with traditional Russian values.

Citizens would be fined if caught promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships”, while foreign nationals may be arrested, detained and even face deportation.

This bill is condemned by the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, stating that the bill was not compatible with the basic human rights.

It encourages homophobia and discrimination, which is against “equality, pluralism and tolerance” needed in a “democratic society”.

Russia’s legal system is rooted in civil law, based on statutes with the Constitution at the apex.
This is opposed to Australia’s legal system, which operates on a common law system comprised of written statutes and “judge-made” precedents.

In Russia, prior judicial decisions are not considered law like in Australia, but they can remain influential nonetheless.

In Russia, only licensed advocates may represent clients in criminal and constitutional courts. Other legal practitioners instead focus on matters like civil disputes and legal advice.

Around 13 million people in Russia live in poverty.

In 2008, the Japan Social Development Fund provided $1.98m to help create legal aid centres in Russia which provided key information to litigants about their rights.
The program gave free legal aid to more than 13,000 people in remote communities, as well as establishing juvenile rehabilitation centres.

Whilst this has improved access to justice for poor and rural communities, they are still heavily disadvantaged when compared to their metropolitan counterparts.

The Russian ‘Foreign Agent Law’ deems many international organisations the Russian government views as hostile from operating in the country, including educational or awareness-raising organisations. As a result, it may be more challenging for independent NGOs to provide poor or rural communities with legal aid in the future.

The Disrespect Law

In March 2019, Russia amended its federal law surrounding cyber interactions to prohibit the internet use which propagates the disrespect of the Russian state, the Constitution of Russia, Russian State symbols, or society and human dignity at large.

This is punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 Rubles (Approx. 2,000 AUD at the current exchange rate).

For repeated offences a fine of up to 200,000 Rubles may be handed out, or 15 days in administrative arrest

This is contrary to Australian culture and many other cultures around the world, where holding political figures accountable, or making good natured jokes at their expense is a practice that is frequently engaged in.