MOSCOW, December 22 (RAPSI) – Konstantin Dobrynin, member of the upper house of Russian parliament, or Federation Council, has proposed introducing criminal punishment of up to 10 years in prison for officials whose negligence fails to prevent terrorist attacks, RIA Novosti reported on Monday.

The senator has submitted amendments to Article 293 of the Criminal Code (negligence) to the government, under which these crimes would be punishable by a prison term ranging from three to 10 years and a ban of up to 20 years on holding certain official positions or engaging in certain activities.

The bill will be forwarded to the State Duma soon.

Dobrynin points out that the most cruel high-profile terrorist and hostage-taking attacks were made possible by corrupt officials or official negligence.

Russian law stipulates adequate restraint and oversight measures for minimizing the terrorist threat.  However, widespread corruption and general negligence increase this threat dramatically.

The current penalty for official negligence that results in terrorist attacks includes disciplining and possible dismissal. Under Dobrynin’s bill, officials whose inactivity allow terrorists to stage attacks would be sent to prison for committing a grave crime against the interests of civil service.