Criminal liability of individuals leading a traditional lifestyle in the Russian North for the crimes under the articles 260 and 222, 222.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation

Abstract

This paper summarizes the key issues of rights protection of indigenous minor peoples of the Russian North (Khanty and Mansi), who lead a traditional lifestyle, exploiting their ancestral lands: hunting, fishing, and using other resources. In the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, individuals are often prosecuted for illegal felling (Article 260, Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), as well as for illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, possession, transportation or carrying of explosives or explosive devices (Article 222.1, RF Criminal Code). However, land management allows for the general public to perform these activities as well, not only for the relatives or friends of the owner of these ancestral lands. Following the casework, the author has found that in a significant number of cases, the investigation fails to establish either the direct ownership of items limited in circulation (gunpowder and ammunition) or specific individuals who performed the felling. Such being the case, the legal owner of the land or its part is held liable. The purpose of this article is to justify the need for amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, i. e. providing for exempting those individuals from criminal liability, who have committed acts, set forth formally, sustaining their traditional lifestyle in the North. This new law will allow the protection of indigenous minorities of the North from inconsistent criminal reprisals and to preserve their cultural practices.