MOSCOW, July 5 - RAPSI. The State Duma has adopted a draft law increasing liability for displaying Nazi paraphernalia or symbols and introducing punishment for using symbols pertaining to extremist organizations.

The draft law is to amend the Criminal Violations Code and the law on extremism.

Fines for such violations will range from 1,000 to 2,000 rubles ($31 to $62) for individuals, 1,000 to 4,000 rubles ($31 to $124) for officials and 10,000 to 50,000 rubles ($310 to $1,550) for organizations.

The current fines for the propagation and display of Nazi paraphernalia and symbols range from 500 to 1,000 rubles ($16.5 to $31).

The draft law adds the definition of "symbols of an extremist organization" to the current law on combating extremism. These are formally registered symbols of an organization which is to be shut down or banned by a court order for engagement in extremist activity.