- Putin law seizes assets
- Targets critics, stifles dissent
- Crackdown on free speech
A law enacted by Russian President Vladimir Putin authorises the authorities to seize assets from individuals convicted of disseminating “deliberately false information” about the military.
Individuals convicted of a variety of offences, including “discrediting” the government and disseminating “deliberately false information” about the army, are subject to the law, which was signed on Wednesday. Such offenders are threatened with the forfeiture of money, property, assets, and valuables.
Those convicted of publicly inciting “extremist activities” and advocating actions that endanger state security would also be subject to this provision.
The measure garnered swift approval from both the lower and upper chambers of parliament.
The law, which could potentially target exiled critics with property at home, has “absolutely” nothing to do with confiscations modelled after the Soviet Union, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who also dismissed as “groundless” concerns that it could be abused in practice.
Law Targets Critics, Suppresses Dissent
Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Duma, had previously stated that its intended audience consists of “saboteurs and traitors.” These are those who spit on the backs of our soldiers today and have betrayed their homeland.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, an existing law prohibiting “discrediting” the military was enacted. This was part of a sweeping government assault on dissent.
Extensively employed to stifle Putin’s detractors, it encompasses offences such as “justifying terrorism” and disseminating “fake news” about the military.
Thousands of Russian war opponents, activists, bloggers, and others have been imprisoned, jailed, or fined. This is a result of an intensifying crackdown on free speech and opposition to Putin.
“Take a step towards financial freedom – claim your free Webull shares now!”
Just prior to the second anniversary of the Ukraine offensive and the March presidential elections that Putin will almost certainly win, the new law goes into effect.
During his twenty-four years in power, Putin has not permitted genuine electoral opposition. Also the competitors, including opposition leader Alexey Navalny, are incarcerated.
The candidature of Boris Nadezhdin, a notable opponent of the conflict in Ukraine, has been thwarted. He has declared his intention to petition the Supreme Court to overturn the election commission’s ruling.
