Global Courant 2023-04-29 17:30:38
Russians found guilty of treason will now be sentenced to life in prison after Vladimir Putin signed an official decree increasing the maximum sentence.
The decree, which is part of an effort to crack down on people who disagree with the war in Ukraine, was posted on the Kremlin’s website and increases penalties for people accused of treason, terrorism and aiding the work of international organizations.
Lawmakers had already voted to increase the longest treason sentences to life, from 20 years. Lawmakers also approved raising the maximum sentence for committing “a terrorist act” — defined as an offense that endangered life and was intended to destabilize Russia — to 20 years, from the current 15 years.
Those found guilty of sabotage can go to prison for 20 years, down from 15, while those convicted of “international terrorism” can be sentenced to life in prison, up from 12 years. The decree does not explain what “international terrorism” is.
Putin signed the new decree at a time when rights groups say authorities are stepping up efforts to silence the few remaining opposition voices. But Russia says such laws are required to protect the country from infiltration by Ukraine and Western intelligence agencies.
Global Courantl
