Russia introduced this Wednesday July 6 heavy prison sentences, up to seven years, for calls to act against its security. The law was passed by the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, which also increased penalties for espionage and cases of “confidential collaboration with strangers“.
The text, providing for up to seven years in prison for this crime, was voted on Wednesday by deputies of the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, which also increased the penalties for espionage and cases of “confidential collaboration with strangers“.
“Adequate response”
These tightenings of the law, officially aimed at “to protect the national interests of Russia“, are “an adequate and timely response to the challenges facing our country“, assured in a press release one of the authors of this text, the deputy Vassili Piskariov, of the ruling party United Russia. Under the new provisions, public calls by individuals to act against Russia’s security will now be punishable by two to four years in prison. The sanction can be increased to 5 years in the case of appeals broadcast by the media and 7 years if they are made in an organized group.
The collection and delivery to the enemy of informationlikely to be used against the Russian armed forceswill be punishable by up to 20 years in prison. There “confidential collaboration with strangerscould cost up to 8 years in prison.
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Since the beginning of the Russian military operation in Ukraine on February 24, the Russian authorities have reinforced the repression of voices critical of this offensive, by blocking independent media and social networks and by passing laws punishing heavy prison sentences in any form of criticism tarnishing the image of the army. Several Russians – opponents and ordinary citizens – have already been imprisoned for such reasons while awaiting trial. A Moscow city deputy is to be tried on Thursday.
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