Russian lawmakers propose tougher penalties for ‘discrediting’ the army if the offense was committed for ‘personal gain’

The Russian government’s legislative commission has backed amendments that would impose harsher penalties for certain crimes committed “for personal gain or for hire,” Kommersant reported. The proposed amendments would eliminate the requirement that such an offense first be punished as a misdemeanor (an “administrative” charge in Russian law) before criminal charges can be brought.

The changes would significantly increase penalties for calling for sanctions against Russia “for personal gain or for hire.” The punishment would rise to a fine of 1 to 3 million rubles ($10,400–$31,200) or up to five years in prison, up from the current 500,000-ruble ($5,200) fine and three-year maximum sentence. Criminal prosecution would also apply immediately, without requiring a prior misdemeanor conviction.

A similar change would apply to charges of “discrediting” the Russian military when committed “for personal gain.” While penalties would remain the same — a fine of up to 1 million rubles or up to seven years in prison — offenders will now face criminal prosecution regardless of whether they have previously been charged with a similar misdemeanor.

The amendments also introduce the confiscation of assets obtained through these offenses.

As of publication, Meduza was unable to find the proposed legislation in the State Duma’s official database.

According to lawyer Alexander Karavaev, the amendments appear intended to distinguish between ordinary online commentators and professionals who are paid for their work.

“This applies to journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, sociologists, politicians, activists, and to some extent, the academic world. Committing a crime ‘for personal gain’ means acting for financial benefit or to avoid financial losses — this could be through a salary or a grant. The state is drawing yet another red line for professionals,” Karavaev said.

Eva Levenberg, a lawyer with the rights group OVD-Info, called the elimination of the misdemeanor requirement the most significant change.

“Previously, criminal charges could only follow a repeat offense after a misdemeanor fine. Now, if investigators decide the offense was committed for personal gain, a person could face prison time immediately,” she said.