Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law punishing calls for action against the country’s security with harsh sentences and prison termsreported France Press.
The agency notes that this happened at a time when all voices opposing the war in Ukraine are being suppressed in Russia.
According to the new law, published today on the portal with texts signed by Putin, public calls for action against the security of the Russian Federation will now be punishable by two to four years in prison. The corresponding sentence can be increased to five years in prison for addresses broadcast by the media, and up to seven years if they are made by an organized group.
The Russian president also signed a law that tightens restrictions on individuals and entities qualified as “foreign agents” – a status used to suppress criticism of the Kremlin.
Another measure provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for any Russian citizen who participates in a foreign conflict that is against Russia’s interests. This law equates crossing over to the enemy’s side during hostilities with treason, TASS reported. Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code is supplemented with responsibility for the participation of a Russian citizen in an armed conflict or hostilities on the territory of a foreign country with a purpose contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation.
“Crossing over to the side of the enemy means the participation of a person in the composition of a foreign state, international or foreign organization directly opposed to the Russian Federation, in an armed conflict, military actions or other actions with the use of weapons and military equipment,” the text reads. .
Penalties are also provided for people who provide financial, material, technical, consulting or other assistance to a foreign country, international or foreign organization, or their representatives in activities directed against the security of Russia.
The Russian president also signed a law providing for fines or even sentences of up to seven years in prison for anyone who knows a state secret and goes abroad without prior permission.
These texts are part of a set of regulations approved in recent weeks by the Russian parliament. The only thing missing was the signature of the president for them to enter into force, BTA reports.
Since the invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, Russian authorities have stepped up their crackdown on critical voices, blocking independent media and social networks. Any form of criticism that tarnishes the image of the army is now punishable by law.
Several Russians, including opposition figures Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza, as well as ordinary citizens, have already been jailed on such charges pending trial.
Moscow city councilor Alexei Gorinov was sentenced to seven years in prison last week for condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, AFP notes.
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