Russia’s criminal code could be expanded to include an article that outlaws public calls to actions aimed at undermining the country’s security. On Monday, a parliamentary committee recommended that MPs approve a draft law on the matter.
The draft law envisages a fine of up to 500,000 rubles (around $8,000) or a prison term of from two to four years, for a violation. If those calls come from a group of people, or include threats of violence, the penalty would increase to up to seven years behind bars with a fine of up to 2.5 million rubles (around $40,000).
The proposed legislation also suggests criminalizing the participation of Russian citizens in warfare abroad that is aimed against the interests of the country. The proposed penalty, in this case, is imprisonment for up to 20 years with a fine of up to 500,000 rubles (around $8,000).
Switching to the enemy side during a conflict involving Russia is set be equated to treason, and also punished by a sentence of up to 20 years with a fine of up to 500,000 rubles (around $8,000).