Russia: State Duma approves draft law on criminal punishment for false news about Russian military actions

The State Duma has adopted a draft law on punishment for knowingly spreading false information about the actions of the Russian military, writes Meduza.io.

The maximum punishment for this violation is 15 years in prison.

The document also provides sanctions for “discrediting” and “incitement to obstruct” the use of Russian armed forces “to protect the interests of the Russian Federation and its citizens, to maintain international peace and security”. The maximum punishment is five years in prison.

The law also provides punishments for urging the introduction of sanctions against Russia.

The TASS agency reports that the State Duma unanimously adopted in its second and third readings on Friday the draft law on introducing criminal punishment for spreading false news about the actions of the Russian military. The President of the country is expected to sign it.