Russia to compile banned extremist symbols' list

Moscow, May 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia will compile a list of extremist symbols, prohibited for use by non-governmental organisations and companies.

The list will be drafted as a result of the justice ministry-sponsored amendments to the law against extremist activity.

The ministry and Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent) will list the prohibited symbols.

The descriptions of symbols of public, religious and other organisations forbidden by the court will be posted on the websites of the executive authorities, responsible for registering public and religious organisations.

The Federal Institute for Industrial Property, which reports to Rospatent and registers trademarks, told a daily that it was working on a list of banned symbols.

The new legislation was prompted by the need to regulate symbols used by NGOs.

The ministry has also proposed adding a clause to the NGOs law stating that their symbols should not resemble those of political parties or banned organizations.

Furthermore, NGO symbols should not defile Russia's flag, national anthem or emblem, or those of Russia's regions and municipalities, foreign countries, or religious symbols.

They also should not insult racial, ethnic or religious feelings, the daily reported.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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