About Oleg Khokhlov Expertise I`ll be glad to answer your questions about basics of
russian legislation and organization of State. You can
ask specific questions about problems with entry to
Russia,trade regulations,customs formalities,investment`s
protection.
Experience I have 3-year practice of legal consulting for
private investors and traders from USA,Austra-
lia and countries of European Union.
Other legal experience includes citizenship problems, international family law,civil trials.
Education/Credentials USIA Fellowship
George Soros Fund Fellowship
Question Hello! I am Russian in heritage and always wanted to visit Russia because of extreme interest in its unique history and culture. I was just wondering in general how American tourists are viewed, especially with all of this garbage that America is doing now? For example, I sometimes hear of the Russian mafia to watch out for them when visiting, just like the stories of how Mexican police like to throw Americans in jail for nothing. I am sure that most of this is myth.
Also, what should one do and know to be respectful and blend in when visiting (that may differ from American values)?
Finally, I was always curious for my own interest if you could give a general overview of comparisons/contrasts between American criminal laws and Russian criminal laws. Are punishments similar/different? Are some laws taken more or less seriously than certain American laws?
I'm sorry if the questions are too general or vague, but any info on these aspects of Russian culture would greatly be appreciated. Thank you very much and take care!
Answer Dear Joe, there is no specific negative approach to simple
americans in Russia, just don't have amercian flag or picture of Bush on your T-shirt and try to speak british
english rather than american. ;) I have never heard about things you described about Mexico, just have proper visa and take the passport everywhere and you'll be ok.
Then don't visit far districts of Moscow as there are some
poor ones where you can meet skinheads that can be dangerous
for every normal person, including americans.
Anyway it's ideal to have some local person who can explain you the safety policy in the concrete region of your visit,
but this is like in every megalopolis e.g. it's better not to visit Harlem in NY.
But generally speaking such cities like Moscow and St.Petersbourg are usual european cities with proper
infrastructure,police and lots of people who speak few
languages including english.
About criminal laws - the most important thing - death penalty is now under moratorium in Russia that differs from
many US States like Texas. Also I think that drug and tax crimes are treated more softly than in US. Generally speaking I think Russian Criminal Code is more soft than
american laws due to the proclaimed humanistic ideals, though a lot of people are sentenced for little thefts and
drug crimes for 2-3 years and our jails are overcrowded by such kind of criminals.
