The State Duma approved life sentences for high treason

The State Duma immediately adopted the amendments on life imprisonment for high treason in the second and third readings.

Amendments to toughen accountability for treason were submitted to the State Duma on April 7, 2023. After being approved by the Constitutional Committee, they went to a vote.

Changes have been made to Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Treason”. After passing the law on espionage, providing foreigners with information constituting a state secret, going over to the side of the enemy, or providing financial, logistical, advisory or other assistance to the state in actions against the Russian Federation, Russians face life imprisonment, notes RIA Novosti.

Now the article on treason provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of 12 to 20 years, as well as a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles.

In addition, the State Duma increased the maximum sentence under the article “Terrorist act” from 15 to 20 years in prison, and under the article “Act on international terrorism” – from 12 years to life imprisonment.

In addition, the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation was supplemented with a new article 284.3 (“Providing assistance in the implementation of decisions of international organizations in which the Russian Federation does not participate, or foreign state bodies”). It provides for punishment in the form of a fine in the amount of 300 thousand to 1 million rubles. or imprisonment for up to five years.

On April 17, a Moscow city court sentenced Russian politician Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in a high-regime colony on charges of treason and “fake news” about the army. The court also fined him 400,000 rubles. and banned him from journalism for seven years after his release.