Accessibility links

Breaking News

Putin Toughens Punishment For Public Calls For Separatism


Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that increases the punishment for public calls for separatism.

The Kremlin's website said on July 22 that the new minimum penalty for separatist calls will be a fine of between 10,000 and 30,000 rubles ($285 and $855).

The maximum punishment for the felony will be imprisonment of up to four years.

Previous legislation had a penalty of three years in jail.

Publicly calling for separatism on the Internet or by using online resources means up to 480 hours of community service and a maximum of five years in jail.

There was previously no punishment for online calls for separatism.

Based on reporting by kremlin.ru and rapsinews.ru

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG