Each legal state in the world has its own symbols, and the Donetsk People’s Republic is no exception.
The state symbols of the Donetsk People’s Republic are:
– State flag of the Donetsk People’s Republic;
– State Emblem of the Donetsk People’s Republic;
– State Anthem of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
In order to avoid encroachments aimed at desecration of the national symbols, the legislation provides for appropriate liability.
Thus, Article 11 of the Law of the DPR “On the State Flag of the Donetsk People’s Republic” establishes that citizens of the Donetsk People’s Republic, as well as foreign citizens located on the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic, stateless persons are obliged to respect the State flag of the Donetsk People’s Republic. The use of the State Flag in violation of this Law, as well as desecration of the State Flag is unacceptable.
Responsibility for desecration of the State Emblem or the State Flag is regulated by Article 389 of the Criminal Code of the DPR. According to this article, such desecration is punishable by restraint of liberty for up to one year, or by forced labour for the same term, or by arrest for a term of three to six months, or by deprivation of liberty for up to one year.
Thus, the Ombudsman draws attention to the facts of desecration of the State symbols of the Donetsk People’s Republic will not go unpunished. The Ombudsman also calls on persons who are forced and pushed to desecrate the State symbols of the Donetsk People’s Republic, before committing a crime, should be prudent and remember the possible consequences as criminal liability for the commission of these actions.
