MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Punishment for organizing an armed uprising is being toughened in Russia, with the minimum prison term set at 15-20 years. The corresponding law was signed by President Vladimir Putin and published on the official portal of legal information.
Previously, responsibility for organizing an armed insurrection or for active participation carried a prison term of 12 years to 20 years and restricted freedom for up to 2 years.
Now, the term of imprisonment for this offense will range from 15 years to 20 years. If the mutiny caused the death of a person or other grave consequences, the punishment will include a term of 15-20 years with a fine of 500,000 rubles to 1 million rubles or a life sentence.
According to the law, a participant in a mutiny may be exempted from criminal punishment if they voluntarily and promptly inform the authorities or otherwise contribute to "preventing further harm to the interests of Russia." At the same time, their actions must not contain any other criminal elements
Ban on parole
The law also introduces stricter measures, such as a ban on parole for those convicted of terrorism and armed insurrection.
Those convicted of terrorist acts, supporting terrorist activities, training for such purposes, organizing a terrorist group, and participating in it will not be eligible for parole. Those convicted of armed mutiny or an act of international terrorism will likewise not be eligible for parole.
Liability of foreigners
A new article has been added to the Criminal Code, providing for the punishment of foreign nationals or stateless persons who provide financial, material, technical, consulting, or other assistance to the enemy in activities knowingly directed against the security of Russia.
The mentioned acts will be punished by imprisonment for a term of 10 years to 15 years along with a fine of up to 500,000 rubles or an equivalent of the convicted person's salary for 3 years.
Switching to the enemy's side
Amendments have been made to the article on high treason. High treason includes the defection of a Russian citizen to the enemy, which means participation in an armed conflict or military actions as part of the forces of countries or international organizations opposing Russia. According to the new wording, the term "enemy" applies to countries, international, or foreign organizations directly opposing Russia in an armed conflict, military actions, or other actions with the use of weapons and military equipment.
Voluntary participation in the activities of government bodies, institutions, enterprises, and organizations of the enemy, knowingly directed against the security of Russia, will be considered as switching to the side of the enemy. Punishment for such a crime remains unchanged, with life imprisonment being the harshest.
The law stipulates that those convicted of armed uprising, terrorism, acts of international terrorism, facilitation of terrorist activity, organization of a terrorist group, and under a number of other anti-terrorist articles shall not be eligible for parole.
The law is effective as of the day of its official publication.