«Previously under Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code no cases on incitement of hatred towards atheists were considered, though many questioned the possibility of such action”, the lawyer told. He noted that under this article a money penalty is usually ordered.

“In this case the suspect will most likely get away with a fine too. The chances that he will be ordered an actual prison sentence are virtually zero”, believes Timur Khutov, Head of Criminal Law Practice, BMS Law Firm.