This document was developed as part of the implementation of the Law "On Countering Extremist Activity" and replaces the previous resolution from 2023. It is important to note that the new procedure applies only to legal entities and media outlets, whereas the previously effective document also included individuals.
Now, the right to issue warnings has been granted to the internal affairs and national security authorities. The decision to issue a warning can be made not only by the heads of these agencies but also by their deputies, as well as the heads of structural and territorial subdivisions.
The basis for issuing a warning is the results of a preliminary investigation conducted in accordance with criminal procedural legislation. If, during the investigation, the fact of disseminating extremist materials or publicly approving actions recognized as extremist is confirmed, and there are no signs of a criminal offense, the authorized body may apply a preventive measure by issuing a warning.
The warning is formalized in writing in two copies: one copy is handed over to the official of the organization, and the second is kept in the investigation materials. The document specifies the specific actions or inactions that violate the laws on countering extremism.
The warning is delivered against a receipt either to the head, the founder of the media outlet, or the official of the legal entity. After receiving the document, the warning is considered to be issued.
The person who received the warning must promptly eliminate the identified violations. If this is not possible, an additional period may be established, not exceeding ten days from the date of receipt. After eliminating the violations, the organization is obliged to notify the authorized body, providing supporting documents.
In the event that the violations are not eliminated within the established period, the authorized body forwards the materials to the prosecutor's office, which may file a lawsuit in court to terminate the activities of the media outlet, legal entity, or other organization.
The resolution also stipulates that the authorized body is obliged to notify the prosecutor's office of each issued warning.
Copies of warnings issued to media outlets will be sent to the state body responsible for information policy, and for religious organizations — to the state body for religious affairs.
In addition, the authorized bodies will have the right to monitor compliance with the warnings, including analyzing documents, requesting additional clarifications, and monitoring the activities of media outlets and organizations.
