MOSCOW, October 10 (RAPSI) – The Justice Ministry is developing a bill preventing persistent alimony resisters from withdrawal from criminal responsibility, the ministry informs on its website.

Amendments are being prepared to the Criminal Code of Russia.

Present legislation envisages punishment for repeated failure to pay alimony for minors or disabled children attaining the age of 18 or disabled parents without viable reasons in violation of a court ruling or a notarized agreement.

However, according to the ministry, the launch of criminal case may be denied if a debtor pays irregularly accidental sums the amount of which is significantly lower than those fixed by an enforcement document.

The bill under development is aimed to eliminate such a possibility of escaping criminal punishment. The adoption of this initiative will ensure protection of rights and legal interests of minors, disabled children attaining the age of 18 or disabled parents, the draft law’s sponsors believe. It will also prevent abusive practice by debtors and improve the quality of execution of court rulings, and orders of other bodies and officials, the statement reads.