I see news that 15 years in prison is threatened for statements against the war. Is this true?

Recently, Putin signed a law imposing criminal liability for “fake news” about the actions of the Russian military. The law was adopted in an emergency procedure, within just one day, and introduces new provisions to both the Administrative and Criminal Codes.

What Does the Law Say?

Here’s a breakdown of the new legal provisions:

1. Knowingly False Information: A fine ranging from 700,000 to 1.5 million rubles or up to 3 years in prison.
2. Knowingly False Information by Officials, Organized Groups, with Falsified Evidence, or Motivated by Hatred: A fine ranging from 3 to 5 million rubles or 5 to 10 years in prison.
3. Knowingly False Information Leading to “Severe Consequences”: 10 to 15 years in prison.
4. Calls to “Prevent the Use of Russian Troops to Defend Russia’s Interests, Maintain Peace and Security, and Discredit Such Use”: A fine ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 rubles or up to 3 years in prison.
5. Calls from Point 4 Leading to “Severe Consequences”: A fine up to 1 million rubles or 5 years in prison.

In Simple Terms

It’s unclear what precisely the law defines as “calls to prevent the use of troops” — whether it includes anti-war slogans or calls to obstruct tanks to prevent them from reaching Ukraine.

The law has not yet been applied, so we will only understand its interpretation in courts over time. Here’s what is relatively clear right now:

Participation in Protests

If you are not a government official, journalist, or part of an “organized group,” and you are simply protesting against the war, such as participating in a peaceful demonstration with an anti-war sign, you are primarily at risk of administrative penalties under the new law. However, this may not be the case if you are only participating in an unauthorized protest.

It is crucial that the protest remains truly peaceful. If someone engages in violence, vandalizes property, or blocks roads, this may result in criminal liability, as such actions could be interpreted as leading to “severe consequences.”

Moreover, if you receive an administrative penalty, such as a fine under the new law (not for participating in an unauthorized protest), you might face criminal charges for subsequent violations of the new law.

Statements Online

If you post anti-war content on social media, you are also primarily at risk of administrative responsibility. Repeated violations could lead to criminal charges. It’s unclear exactly what will be considered as calls to obstruct military use or what will be deemed as fake news.

In general, the pattern is: first an administrative penalty, then criminal charges. You will not necessarily face a 15-year sentence immediately. However, exercise caution, be aware of all risks, and take care of yourself.

Legal Experts’ Comments

Many legal experts are now commenting on the new law. One of the most plausible interpretations is offered by lawyer and former State Duma candidate Pyotr Karmanov:

Prohibited:

• Using “low” language regarding Russian military personnel and their actions.
• Calling for resistance against Russian military forces or obstructing them.
• Possibly, even spreading accurate information, such as genuine photos and videos that “discredit” the Russian military.

Permitted:

• Criticizing Russian authorities’ decisions regarding the special operation.
• Demanding the Russian authorities to cease the special operation.

Bonus

One thing that has not been prohibited yet is calling for Putin’s impeachment! For more details, see our post.