Russia: Introduced Federal law introducing criminal liability for spreading misinformation on Russian Army

On 2 March 2022, Federal Bill No. 32-FZ is introduced in the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia. The Bill No. 32-FZ amends Articles 31 and 151 of the Criminal Code, to impose penalties for spreading information regarding the Armed Forced of the Russian Federation that is classified by the government as false information. Firstly, the Bill would penalise the public dissemination of alleged false information about the Armed Forces, whereby individuals could face a punishment between RUB 700’000 and RUB 1.5 million or 3 years of imprisonment. If the information is disseminated by public officials or organized groups, the fine ranges from RUB 3 to 5 million and the term of imprisonment can be up to 10 years. Secondly, the Bill introduces higher penalties for the dissemination of alleged false information that causes serious consequences, whereby individuals could face imprisonment of 10 to 15 years. Finally, the Bill would criminalise public calls to prevent the use of the Russian Armed Forces, whereby individuals could face a fine between RUB 100’000 and RUB 200’000 and officials a fine ranging from RUB 300’000 to 500’000. The public calls for sanctions against Russia would be also sanctioned, individuals face a fine of RUB 500’000 or imprisonment for up to 3 years.