Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed tougher laws against treason, sabotage and terrorism. The State Duma, the Russian lower house, had already approved the amendments a week and a half ago, which have now been ratified.
In addition to life imprisonment for high treason, prison sentences for other crimes are also increased. For example, the maximum penalty for sabotage will be increased from fifteen to twenty years’ imprisonment. Opponents of the war in Ukraine, who damaged railway lines to prevent the transport of weapons, for example, now face twenty years in prison. The maximum sentence for “international terrorism” will be increased from ten to twelve years.
Dealing with critics
The Russian government has long used allegations of treason, sabotage and terrorism to silence critics. For example, Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Moerza was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison, including for high treason. Under current legislation, Kara-Moerza could also have been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Putin also signed a law, also approved by the State Duma, which criminalizes “assisting in the implementation of decisions of international organizations in which Russia does not participate.” This law appears to be a response to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague against Putin. Russia is not a member of the ICC.
Source: BNR
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