Russia tightens grip: New law to confiscate assets over military discredit

The lower chamber of Russia's parliament (State Duma) has passed legislation permitting the seizure of money, valuable items, and other assets from individuals found guilty of disseminating "intentionally false information" regarding the nation’s military.

Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said it would toughen punishments for "traitors who sling mud at our country and our military" and "strip these scoundrels of honorary titles, confiscate their property, money, and other valuables."

The new law would apply to those convicted of public incitement to "extremist activities," incitement to actions detrimental to state security, or "discrediting" the armed forces. Discrediting the Russian military became a crime under a law passed as part of the government's widespread crackdown on dissent after Moscow sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022.

- Anyone who tries to destroy Russia, who betrays it, must bear the deserved punishment and pay compensation for the damage caused to the country at the expense of his property - Volodin said before Wednesday's vote.

Existing Russian legislation that penalizes 'discrediting' the military, including acts such as 'endorsing terrorism' and circulating 'fake news' about the military, has been used by officials to stifle dissent against Putin. As a result, numerous activists, bloggers, and regular Russian citizens have faced extended jail sentences.

Soruce: ABC News, Reuters