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Russia criminalises surrender and conscientious objection

21.09.2022 10:00
The Russian Duma has passed ammendments to Russia's criminal code criminalising "voluntary surrender" and "refusal to participate".
Duma, Russia
Duma, RussiaPAP/TASS/Sergei Fadeichev

The ammendments, effectively criminalising surrender and conscientious objection, were passed quickly in the State Duma.

The new category of crime - "voluntary surrender" - carries a punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment. The crime of "refusing to participate" in military actions carries a punishment of 2-3 years imprisonment.

The ammendments are also notable for openly speaking of "martial law" and "mobilisation". Until now, Russian leaders have been careful to stick to language of "special operation". 

Source: PAP

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