Russia’s parliament has passed a law making it possible to impose prison sentences on those who cooperate with international organizations as part of tougher penalties for treason. The maximum sentence for treason, which was previously 20 years, has been increased to a maximum of life imprisonment.
On the 18th (local time), Russia’s House of Representatives, the State Duma, passed an amendment that imposes up to five years in prison for those who help enforce legal decisions made by international organizations in which Russia does not participate.
Analysts say that this measure is a direct response to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on charges of war crimes, including the forced migration of children, on the 17th of last month.
According to the amendment, the sentence for treason will be strengthened from the current 20 years in prison to a maximum of life imprisonment. The punishment for terrorism attacks will also increase from 15 to 20 years, and for international terrorism from 10 to 20 years to 12 years to life imprisonment.
The amendment will be signed into law by President Putin after being approved by the Senate, the Senate.
Human rights groups pointed to the background of the amendment as Russia’s intensifying campaign to suppress the remaining minority of dissent in the country.
On the 17th, a Moscow court sentenced opposition politician and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison for treason and other charges. It was the harshest punishment imposed on an opposition figure since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
The human rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said, “The Russian government will use these examples to instill fear in the Russian people and block the opportunity for civil society to oppose the Kremlin and President Putin’s war.”
The bill was proposed on the 7th, days before leading Russian dissident Vladimir Kara Murza was sentenced to 25 years in prison for treason.
The Russian parliament is arguing that these laws are necessary to protect the country from infiltration by Ukrainian and Western intelligence agencies.
“The amendments are necessary to protect Russia from the unprecedented threat faced by Ukraine and the West,” MP Vasily Piskarev said at the time.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.