State Duma (Russia’s lower chamber of parliament) members have proposed adding a new article, 276.1 "Assistance to the Enemy in Activities Aimed Against the Security of the Russian Federation", to the Criminal Code. The law would apply to foreigners on Russian territory, RBC reports.
The amendment, part of a broader bill toughening penalties for armed rebellion, has been published in the State Duma's electronic database.
Under the proposed article, foreign nationals providing financial, material-technical, advisory, or other assistance to the enemy in activities knowingly aimed against Russian security would face 10–15 years imprisonment and fines of up to 500,000 rubles.
The bill defines "enemy" as a foreign state, international, or foreign organization opposing the Russian Federation in armed conflict, military actions, or other operations involving weaponry and military technology, according to Mediazona.
The bill also expands the definition of "defection to the enemy" to include: participation in enemy forces during an armed conflict; and voluntary involvement in activities of enemy state authorities, institutions, enterprises, or organizations that are knowingly directed against Russia’s security.
Additionally, the authors of the amendments, Deputies Vasily Piskarev and Otari Arshba, propose applying Article 275.1 ("Confidential Cooperation with a Foreign State, International, or Foreign Organization") to foreigners and stateless persons.
