Russian ‘fake news’ law could give offenders 15 years in prison

Russia's lower house of parliament has passed a law that could lead to 15 years in prison for spreading fake news. The rule would impose fines or jail terms for spreading false information about the military, as well as fines for people who publicly call for sanctions against Russia. Courts would impose the most severe sentences for fake news.

The bill is meant to penalize people whodistort the purpose, role and tasks of the Russian armed forces, as well as other units during special military and other operations.

By tomorrow, the law will force punishment on those who lied and discredited the armed forces. The upper house of parliament must approve the rule before it can be signed by Putin. The law that Putin signed included fines and jail time for disrespecting the Russian government, but the penalty was less than a month.

Russia has already cracked down on news outlets and social platforms, objecting to descriptions of the invasion as a war rather than a special military operation. Although it hasn't appeared to follow through on a threat to block it, it demanded that Wikipedia remove supposedly false reports of casualties among Russian military troops as well as Ukrainian civilians, including children.

The British outlet broadcast over short-wave radio after it blocked access to the BBC and other news sites for undermining the Russian stability and security.