The accusation is "denigration of the military" - and the result can be ten years in prison.
The Duma continues to take action after tightened laws.
Moscow – Russia is increasing the pressure on opposition figures: An arrest warrant was issued for another on Thursday (March 23) – and others were classified as “foreign agents”.
The activist and blogger Maxim Katz now faces up to ten years in prison.
This is reported by the
RND
newspapers, citing the AP news agency.
The Russian Ministry of Justice added human rights lawyer Pavel Chikov and well-known blogger Ilya Varlamov to the list of alleged foreign agents.
Both had criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine.
In Georgia, meanwhile, recent massive protests led the government to scrap a proposed law on "foreign agents."
Russian Law on “Foreign Agents”
The law has been used to tame the opposition in Russia since 2012.
The Kremlin has since used it extensively to crack down on the media, anti-government organizations and other critics.
After the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the parliament in Moscow also passed a law that provides for up to 15 years in prison for spreading "false news" about the military.
It is designed to suppress criticism of the military.
On March 14, 2023, it was expanded to include volunteer associations and individuals.
Activists in Russia face lengthy prison terms
Other Kremlin critics, such as Moscow local politician Ilya Yashin and opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, were initially sentenced to short prison terms before being charged with more serious offences.
Yashin was recently sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for spreading "false information" about the Ukraine war.
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Scene from the Duma of March 23;
in the background the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin
© Dmitry Astakhov/Imago
Public in Russia: Moscow bans criticism of mercenaries
The Russian lower house of the Duma also passed a law on March 14 that makes criticism of mercenaries like the Wagner group a punishable offense and provides for up to 15 years in prison for violations.
"From today, people who risk their lives for the security of our country and our citizens are protected from provocations and lies," said Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.
"These actions are unacceptable."
Pictures of the Ukraine war: great horror and small moments of happiness
Pictures of the Ukraine war: great horror and small moments of happiness
In addition, the Duma tightened existing laws.
A "discredit" of "volunteers" who fight with the regular Russian troops is now to be punished with up to seven years in prison instead of the previous five.
The Russian House of Lords and President Vladimir Putin have yet to approve the law.
Private armed groups are a central part of the Russian military presence in Ukraine, including at the Battle of Bakhmut.
(frs)
Rubric list image: © Dmitry Astakhov/Imago