This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/russia/573186-putin-law-disinformation-army/
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Russia expands anti-fake news law | |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Legal protection of information about the military now also extends to volunteer fighters | |
| Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed amendments into law imposing harsher punishments for disinformation about the Russian armed forces. The legislation, which was approved by lawmakers earlier this month, expands the law’s coverage to volunteer fighters. | |
| Previously, legal protection against slander and disinformation covered only the official armed forces. The new measure includes "volunteer battalions, organizations or individuals assisting the completion of tasks, set before the armed forces of the Russian Federation." | Previously, legal protection against slander and disinformation covered only the official armed forces. The new measure includes "volunteer battalions, organizations or individuals assisting the completion of tasks, set before the armed forces of the Russian Federation." |
| The punishment for an offense can range from fines of 100,000 rubles ($1300) to 1.5 million rubles ($19,485) or up to seven years in prison and a ban on holding public office. | The punishment for an offense can range from fines of 100,000 rubles ($1300) to 1.5 million rubles ($19,485) or up to seven years in prison and a ban on holding public office. |
| Private military company Wagner Group is one of the most well-known volunteer formations taking part in Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. The organization’s head, Evgeny Prigozhin, campaigned for legal protection against disinformation about his fighting force. He also argued earlier this month that the law should not extend to top military commanders, as to not stifle "public and constructive criticism" which helps them to "work responsibly." | Private military company Wagner Group is one of the most well-known volunteer formations taking part in Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. The organization’s head, Evgeny Prigozhin, campaigned for legal protection against disinformation about his fighting force. He also argued earlier this month that the law should not extend to top military commanders, as to not stifle "public and constructive criticism" which helps them to "work responsibly." |