MPs propose up to 5 years and confiscation of property for calling for sanctions

Punishment for calls for sanctions and discrediting the army is planned to be toughened and supplemented by confiscation of property; currently, criminal liability is threatened for repeated violation of the law. The goal of the initiative was called "protection of sovereignty" Irina Yarovaya

Deputies have proposed imprisonment for up to five years for discrediting the Russian army and calling for sanctions against Russia, said State Duma Deputy Speaker Irina Yarovaya, TASS reports . The possibility of confiscating property is also envisaged.

“For 20 types of crimes, we are establishing the possibility of passing a sentence even in cases where any of the persons who committed them are abroad, and we are providing for the possibility of conducting a trial without the participation of the defendant,” Yarovaya noted.

The deputy also said that criminal liability for up to seven years and the possibility of confiscation of property obtained as a result of committing a crime or used to finance it is proposed to be introduced for those assisting international organizations contrary to Russian interests, including the International Criminal Court. These individuals are also planned to be recognized as foreign agents.

Three initiatives were submitted for consideration by a group of deputies led by State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin. They are "aimed at ensuring the protection of sovereignty and preventing interference in the domestic politics of our country," Yarovaya said.

In February, the amendments were supported by a government commission. The State Duma may consider them during the spring session.

The amendments are proposed to be made to Article 284.2 of the Criminal Code (calls for the introduction of restrictive measures against the Russian Federation, its citizens or legal entities) and Article 280.3 of the Criminal Code (public actions aimed at discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation). For calls "for selfish motives or for hire" to introduce sanctions, it is planned to introduce a fine of 1-3 million rubles or imprisonment for up to five years (currently, criminal liability occurs for a repeated violation and provides for a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles or up to three years of imprisonment with a fine of up to 200 thousand rubles). The previous provisions were approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2022.

For discrediting the Russian army "for selfish reasons or for hire" it was decided to introduce a fine of up to 1 million rubles or imprisonment for up to seven years (under aggravating circumstances). Now these measures are taken in case of repeated violation of the law.

In February 2024 , Putin signed a law on the possibility of confiscating property for committing a number of crimes "for mercenary motives." Among the latter are the dissemination of "fakes" about the army (Article 207.3 of the Criminal Code) and public calls against state security (Article 280.4 of the Criminal Code).

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