Russian President Vladimir Putin signs law criminalizing defamation of special military operation participants, including volunteer groupsreports TASS.
The document was published on the government’s website.
Previously, the Criminal Code of Russia provided for criminal liability only for public actions aimed at discrediting the Russian armed forces abroad. Public criticism of all participants in the special military operation, including volunteer units, organizations and individuals supporting the missions of the Russian Armed Forces, will now also be punishable under the law, as the maximum penalty was increased from five to seven years in prison.
By law, the Russian parliament banned criticism of “Wagner”
Persons discrediting “volunteer” groups fighting in Ukraine face punishment
In addition, spreading fake news about volunteers participating in the special operation will be punishable by 15 years in prison.
Putin also signed a law introducing administrative responsibility with fines up to 500,000 rubles ($6,500) for defamation of volunteers participating in the special military operation.
The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, previously explained that those who repeat the same crime within a year of receiving an administrative penalty will also face criminal liability.
By law, Russia also protects the fighters from “Wagner” from being discredited
They face up to 15 years in prison
