Penalties ranging from one million rubles (about 10.000 euro) to imprisonment for up to five years are now threatened in Russia by those who call for the introduction or extension of sanctions by a foreign state or an interstate association against Russian companies or individuals “for mercenary motives or for hiring.”
The corresponding punishment is provided for by Federal Law No. 90-FZ dated 04/21/2025 “On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Article 31 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation”, which was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The document is posted on the website of the official publication of legal acts.
Vladimir Putin also signed another law, according to which Russia will be able to try anyone abroad in absentia for crimes against Russia. The law makes it possible to conduct trials in absentia against any persons who have committed crimes against the security of the Russian Federation and are abroad.
It is likely that these laws are aimed at Russian opposition politicians who have left Russia. Some of them are calling for sanctions against specific Russian officials and officials.
