State Duma adopts criminal law against ‘sabotage,’ now punishable by life in prison
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State Duma deputies voted unanimously to pass, in third reading, a bill for amending the Russian Criminal Code and its article on disruptive activities classified as “Sabotage.”
The amended Article 281 will have three new paragraphs: 281.1 (“Aiding sabotage”), 281.2 (“Training for the purposes of sabotage”), and 281.3 (“Organizing or participating in a sabotage organization”).
Recruiting and persuading a person to take part in an act of sabotage will be punishable by 8–15 years in prison. When involving abuse of power, the same crime may lead to a 10–20-year sentence. In both kinds of cases, though, the sentence can be increased to life in prison.
Similarly, aiding and abetting sabotage will lead to a 10–20-year sentence if convicted. Organizing and sponsoring it will lead to 15–20 years, with a possibility of life in prison. Participating in a sabotage-related group is punishable by 5–10 years in prison, without the possibility of a life sentence.
A person who already committed a crime may avoid facing criminal charges by informing the authorities, or by aiding the prevention of further crimes of sabotage.
(1) Sabotage
The Russian law understands sabotage as intentionally damaging or destroying vital civilian infrastructure, equipment, or facilities with an aim of undermining Russia’s economic security and defense capabilities.