Up to 5 Years in Prison for Online Calls Against Russian Security

The State Duma has passed the first reading of bill No. 130406-8, which introduces criminal liability for calls to actions against the security of Russia. For individual calls, the proposed penalties include a fine ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 rubles or imprisonment for 2 to 4 years. If such calls are distributed via mass media or the internet, the prison term may increase to up to 5 years. If the offense is committed by a group or involves threats of violence, the punishment ranges from 5 to 7 years in prison, along with a fine from 500,000 to 2.5 million rubles.

Confidential cooperation by Russian citizens with foreign intelligence services, international, or foreign organizations will also be punishable by up to 8 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million rubles. According to the explanatory note, the draft law includes a provision that allows a person to be exempt from liability if they voluntarily and promptly report their connection with a foreign intelligence service to the competent state authorities.

Additionally, an amendment to Article 284 of the Russian Criminal Code regarding undesirable organizations clarifies that the article can be applied outside the territory of Russia. This, according to lawmakers, “will allow for a comprehensive response to the activities of organizations that pose a threat to national interests.”

Lawmakers believe these measures “will help prevent the mass dissemination of appeals to others, encouraging them to commit illegal acts that harm state security,” as stated on the State Duma website.