A bill banning face coverings in public has been introduced in the State Duma.

Members of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) faction have drafted a bill banning the wearing of niqabs and any other clothing that covers the face. Violations are subject to a fine. 

According to the co-author of the initiative, a State Duma deputy Sergei ObukhovThe bill is aimed at ensuring public safety and law and order. However, not everyone will have to comply with the new regulation: it will not apply to residents of Siberia, the Far East, and the "Russian Community." People with "medical reasons" will also be exempt from forced face-to-face identification. 

"The bill contains relevant clauses regarding weather conditions and official activities. Since the Russian Community doesn't wear balaclavas themselves, but rather during joint patrols with the police, this is already official activity."- He explained Obukhov. 

Another co-author, Mikhail Matveev, noted that the bill is a complete carbon copy of existing laws in the Central Asian states, "Where does the main flow of 'Nikabonians' come from, so to speak"The deputy equated terrorists and drug dealers, who also conceal their faces, with people who wear clothing that covers their faces for religious reasons. 

According to the bill, violators face a fine of 10 to 15 rubles, and for repeat violations, from 15 to 30 rubles.

Previously in several Russian regions banned wearing niqabs and hijabs in schools. This sparked heated debate about the rights of Muslim women.