Russia has adopted a bill that agrees on jail terms for spreading what Kremlin deems to be ‘fake news‘ about its actions abroad, Agence France-Presse reported. Russian lawmakers approved the legislation after a third reading. 

Two weeks ago, both the Upper and Lower Houses of the Russian Parliament passed the law in quick succession and unanimously, after which it was sent to President Vladimir Putin, who signed it hours later. 

Why does Russia need this bill now?

Russia has already accused the West of spreading false information aimed to cause disharmony among citizens. This comes amid the war in Ukraine, where Russia’s military setbacks or civilian deaths in the neighbouring country is being branded as ‘fake news’ by Kremlin. On the other hand, Russian state media has faced accusations from the West of spreading Kremlin propaganda or simply not acknowledging the war. 

What is Russia’s ‘fake news’ law: Violations and punishments

Russian lawmakers are seeking to criminalise deliberately false information regarding the country’s military as well as its actions abroad. 

The amendments, which make up the ‘fake news’ law were added to a bill introduced in the Russian Federal Assembly in 2018, which sought to charge those enforcing sanctions on Russia with criminal liability. 

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These amendments were introduced as Article 207.3 in the criminal code. It says “public dissemination of deliberately false information about the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation” and “public acts aimed at discrediting the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in order to protect the interests of the Russian Federation and its citizens, maintaining international peace and security”, will lead to punishment, ranging from fines to imprisonment. 

Individuals who manufacture and distribute what Russia deems to be fake about its military could face up to three years in jail. 

Those who create and spread false news using an official position within a group or organization, or via online means, face five to ten years in prison. 

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Finally, if a distributor knowingly spreads fake information that leads to situations Kremlin deems “socially dangerous”, can face 15 years in prison. 

Apart from criminal liability for spreading fake news, the law also seeks to punish anyone discrediting Russia’s actions abroad. This largely refers to those who label troop actions in Ukraine as “war” or “invasion” instead of the Russian version – “special military operation”. 

Previous instances of ‘fake news’ laws in Russia 

In 2020, Russia added articles 207.1 and 207.2 to their criminal code imposing serious liability on those who knowingly spread publicly significant fake news regarding COVID