The State Duma Committee approved tougher penalties for calls for sanctions committed out of self-interest

Deputies of the State Duma (State Duma) were recommended to adopt in the first reading a bill that proposes the introduction of penalties of up to five years in prison for persons who call for sanctions against Russia for mercenary motives or for hire. The corresponding conclusion was issued on March 28 by the State Duma Committee on State Construction and Legislation.

"Given that the proposed changes are aimed at providing additional measures to protect national interests, the committee <...> supports the concept of the draft federal law <...> and recommends that the State Duma adopt it in the first reading," the document says.

If the initiative is approved, criminal liability will be provided for calls for sanctions, as well as assistance to decisions of international organizations in which Russia does not participate.

We are talking about the draft federal law No. 871724-8 "On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and to art. 31 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Russia." The bill is proposed to be considered in the first reading on April 2, 2025.

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The bill was passed immediately in the second and third readings.

On March 13, Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin announced that the State Duma had prepared three legislative initiatives aimed at improving control over the activities of foreign agents. He added that it is also proposed to recognize as foreign agents persons who assist foreign government agencies in activities directed against Russia's security.