On April 21 local time, the Russian President signed a law that strengthens the punishment for actions of slandering the Russian armed forces and calling for sanctions against Russia. The document has been published on the official legal information portal of Russia.
The newly signed legal provisions supplement the Russian Federation's Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure. Those who, for the purpose of making profits or being hired, call for the implementation or extension of restrictive measures against Russia will face a maximum prison sentence of five years and may also be fined up to 500,000 rubles (about 45,000 yuan). In addition, those who, for the purpose of making profits or being hired, slander the Russian military will face a maximum prison sentence of seven years. If, for similar motives, one assists in implementing the resolutions made by some international organizations that Russia is not involved in, the same prison term will be imposed. In this case, the property obtained by the suspect through the criminal act may also be confiscated.
In addition, the Russian President also signed a decree that allows for the in - absentia trial of any person who has committed crimes endangering Russia's security and is outside the country. The provisions of this decree are revisions to the relevant content of the Russian Federation's criminal procedure law.
