Russian lawmakers approve a new bill that expands the definition of high treason

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian lawmakers on Tuesday approved a bill that broadens the definition of high treason, part of authorities’ efforts to tighten control as fighting in Ukraine nears the three-year mark.

The amendments approved in the second and third readings by the lower house, the State Duma, expand the definition of high treason to include ties with any organization involved in “activities against the security of the Russian Federation.”

Current law has a narrower interpretation of “turning to the enemy’s side,” defining it as joining the enemy’s forces.

Those convicted of high treason can be sentenced to life in prison.

“In the situation where our soldiers are risking their lives in the battle for Russian sovereignty, there are no ‘neutral’ or ‘peaceful’ organizations on the enemy side,” said Vasily Piskarev, head of the Duma’s security affairs committee and a from the bill’s authors: “We cannot allow anyone to work for the enemy on our territory.”

Rights advocates have warned that the bill’s vague wording could be used to target anyone with ties to a Ukrainian organization and could potentially be interpreted more broadly to also punish those who have any contact with Western organizations or companies.

The legal definition of treason has already been expanded to include providing vaguely defined “aid” to foreign countries or organizations.

The proposed amendments, which must also be approved by the House of Lords and signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to become law, also introduce penalties of up to 15 years in prison for foreigners and people without citizenship accused of “assisting enemy activities directed against the security of the Russian Federation.”

Cases of treason and espionage have skyrocketed after Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022. The cases targeted a wide range of suspects, from Kremlin critics and independent journalists to scientists, and attracted the attention of rights groups.