Property in Russia to Be Seized for Spreading 'Fake News' About the Military

Members of the State Duma of Russia have introduced a bill to amend the Criminal Code, allowing for the seizure of property for spreading 'fake news' about the Russian military. The document was submitted to parliament this morning, with co-authors including the leaders of the State Duma, heads of various factions (excluding 'New People'), and a majority of parliament members.

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin previously stated that the bill would 'allow the seizure of money, valuable items, or other property used or intended for financing criminal activities against the security of the Russian Federation,' as well as allow courts to strip citizens of honorary titles.

According to Volodin, property can be seized if a person is convicted under eight articles of the Criminal Code. The majority of State Duma members have signed onto the draft bill concerning property seizures due to attacks on state security and spreading fakes about the military. A total of 395 parliamentarians, including State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, have endorsed the draft bill on property confiscation under anti-state articles of the Criminal Code.

Under the proposed law, individuals can be stripped not only of their property for anti-Russian activities but also for spreading fakes about the Russian armed forces, inciting extremism, or committing serious and particularly serious crimes. The document outlines that the deprivation of special, military, or honorary titles, class ranks, and state awards is also possible. In addition to property, individuals can be deprived of valuables if their use is proven to be against Russia's security. Initially, the property will be seized, and the confiscation will occur after an investigation.