Duma Votes to Increase Penalties for Russians who Engage in Armed Uprisings from 20 Years Imprisonment to Life Behind Bars

Paul Goble

            Staunton, Oct. 15 – The Duma has passed on first reading a new law that will increase the maximum penalty for those who engage in armed uprisings from 20 years to life if these actions result in deaths or “especially serious consequences.” The minimum penalty for participation in such uprisings remains unchanged at 12 years behind bars.

            Deputies said they had been considering such an increase in penalties since June 2023 when the Wagner revolt happened, but it remains unclear whether the passage of this measure now reflects simply the length of time it has taken the parliamentarians to act or instead highlights growing fears among the powers that be (ehorussia.com/new/node/31705).

            Even if the latter is not the case, the passage of this law may simultaneously frighten many supporters of the regime who will assume that they are likely to become targets or opponents who may assume that this is a sign that the regime is weakening and thus becoming more paranoid.

            That combination of conclusions does not promise well for the future stability of Russia, and thus the passage of this measure may have exactly the opposite impact that its authors and those who support it in the Kremlin hope for.