Russian Parliament Introduces Life Imprisonment for Sabotage

The State Duma of the Russian Federation has approved a law that significantly increases criminal liability for sabotage.

The draft law provides for new articles to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation concerning the organization, financing and participation in sabotage activities, TASS reported.

A special emphasis is placed on the involvement of minors. Such actions are punishable by the most severe penalties, up to life imprisonment.

The Russian authorities claim that the changes are aimed at “combating terrorist threats.” In reality, experts see this as an attempt to further intensify repression within the country.

The new law can even be used against citizens suspected of “assisting saboteurs” or distributing “extremist” materials.

Human rights activists have already stated that the document creates the basis for criminal prosecution of any form of dissent.

After the State Duma passes the law, it must be approved by the Federation Council and signed by the Russian president.

In recent months, Russia has seen a marked increase in pressure on citizens under the pretext of “protecting state security.” The new changes only expand this repressive toolkit.

Even a post on social media can be recognized as facilitating subversive activities.

The documents were developed against the backdrop of a series of accidents and explosions in Russia.

Recently, unknown persons blew up a railroad section connecting Pskov to St. Petersburg in Russia.