News of War Staff Writer
Russian Parliament to Consider Bill for Confiscating Assets Over Misinformation about Military
Russian legislators have drafted a proposal that would permit the seizure of assets and funds from individuals accused of disseminating "intentionally misleading information" regarding the nation's military forces, according to a leading member of the parliament who spoke on Saturday.
Vyacheslav Volodin, the Speaker of the State Duma, stated that this proposal would extend to those convicted of what he termed as various acts of treachery. These acts include "discrediting" the military, advocating for sanctions against Russia, or promoting extremist activities.
"Anyone endeavouring to undermine Russia or committing acts of betrayal should be subjected to appropriate retribution and be held financially responsible for the harm caused to the nation, using their own assets," Volodin declared on the messaging app Telegram.
He announced that the bill would be presented to the State Duma, the lower house of the parliament, on the following Monday.
Ever since its military incursion into Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has escalated its long-standing suppression of political opposition. In March of the same year, new legislation was enacted making it a criminal offence, punishable by extensive prison sentences, to discredit the military or to circulate false information about it.