Tough sanctions for anti-doping rules violations will protect our athletes - Konstantin Tolkachev

UFA, 7 November 2016. /Bashinform News Agency, Arina Rakhimkulova/. The State Duma deputies have introduced criminal liability for inducement to doping. The other day a bill was passed in the final reading that tightened penalties for coaches and doctors for violating anti-doping rules. The Chairman of the State Assembly of Bashkortostan Konstantin Tolkachev is confident that the adoption of the appropriate regulations will protect our athletes and organize all members of the Olympic movement.

According to the document, it is supposed a penalty of up to 300 thousand rubles with possible disqualification for inducing an athlete to the use of illicit drugs by a coach, a specialist in sports medicine or other specialist in the field of physical culture and sport. For the same acts committed by a group of persons by prior agreement or in respect of a minor athlete or two or more athletes, as well as with use of intimidation and violence, it is provided increased punishment up to imprisonment for up to one year. If the offense resulted in the death of an athlete or other serious consequences, the maximum term of imprisonment will be three years. Criminal liability is also introduced in relation to athletes found guilty of doping.

On the basis of the law the Russian government is proposed to approve a list of prohibited drugs.