Russian lawmakers in the lower house have passed a measure that would empower the government to seize the wealth, property, and other possessions of anybody found guilty of knowingly disseminating inaccurate information about the Russian military.
Reports show the law is anticipated to swiftly pass the upper chamber of parliament and be signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin after its rapid approval in the State Duma.
The speaker of the Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, stated that the proposal would harden the penalty for traitors who smear the nation and their soldiers, taking away their honorary titles and seizing their wealth and possessions.
Publicly instigating extremist activity, asking for measures that might undermine the security of the state, or denigrating the armed services would be punished by the new measure. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the government cracked down on criticism and passed legislation making it a crime to discredit the Russian military.
Before the vote, Volodin warned that every one who betrays or attempts to destroy Russia should pay the price for the harm they’ve caused to the nation, even the cost of their own property.
Reports show that real estate does not seem to be one of the assets that may be seized under the new law, in contrast to the harsh laws passed during the Soviet period that allowed for the confiscation of homes.
Reporters were informed by Pavel Krasheninnikov, chairman of the Duma’s legal issues committee, that they do not need that. They want to avoid a return to the Soviet-style seizure policy.
Russian authorities have silenced Putin’s detractors by using the current statute against disparaging the military. This law encompasses charges such as supporting terrorism and disseminating false information about the armed services. Russia has handed out lengthy jail sentences to a number of citizens, activists, and bloggers.
Last August, a Moscow court convicted writer Dmitry Glukhovsky guilty of intentionally distributing false information about Russia’s military services. Glukhovsky was sentenced to eight years in absentia.
Among the country’s best-selling novels, Grigory Chkhartishvili (also known as Boris Akunin) was put on Russia’s list of extremists/ terrorists last December after being charged with crimes.
