Russia has passed a law that carries a punishment of up to 15 years for spreading fake news about the Russian military, according to a report by The Moscow Times. The provision for criminal liability was adopted unanimously by the State Duma, as per the state-news agency, TASS. The amendment will lead to an addition of the provision in the Criminal Code (CC) of the Russian Federation under Article 207.3, said TASS. The agency added that if the spreading of fake information results in “serious consequences”, the term of imprisonment will be between 10 to 15 years. “Article (207.3) provides imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles,” read the report, adding that the punishment for people who use their official position or commit such actions for “mercenary motives” will range from five to 10 years or a fine of up to 5 million rubles. The move comes on the heels of Russia's invasion of Ukraine which has led to global condemnation of Russia. The reportage emerging out of the war reveals that the Russian military has inflicted civilian casualties in thousands, which has resulted in accusations of war crimes. The government has intensified its ongoing suppression of liberal media since the start of the invasion, said The Moscow Times. It added that several Russian news outlets, including Dozhd, The Village and Znek.com, have had to shutter their operations due to new state restrictions. The law is being seen as an attempt to…
