Putin Signs Law Punishing Overseas Russian Agencies for Spreading False Information... Up to 15 Years in Prison

Russian President Vladimir Putin is presiding over a cabinet meeting via video conference at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on the 10th (local time). (Photo by EPA)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an amendment to the criminal law imposing up to 15 years imprisonment for spreading false information about Russian state agencies operating abroad.

The bill, which passed parliamentary review on the 25th (local time), came into effect after President Putin signed it and it was posted on the official legal publication site. The amended law stipulates a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles (approximately 17.5 million KRW) and imprisonment for up to 3 years if it is recognized that false information was clearly disseminated about state agencies operating overseas.

If the criminal act is carried out using an official position, or by a group, or for personal gain, or out of political, ideological, racial, or religious hatred, the fine increases to 5 million rubles (approximately 58 million KRW), and imprisonment can be up to 10 years. Furthermore, if the clear false information causes serious consequences, imprisonment can be extended up to 15 years.

Earlier, on the 4th of this month, the Russian Federation Council and State Duma passed an amendment to the criminal law imposing up to 15 years imprisonment for spreading false information about the activities of the Russian military. This bill also came into effect immediately after President Putin signed it.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.