In Russia it is forbidden to criticize the "special operation" in Ukraine: sentences of up to 15 years

In Russia it is forbidden to criticize the "special military operation" in Ukraine.

The Duma today approved a law that tightens the limitations on criticism.

The new legislation provides for sentences of up to 15 years in prison for the dissemination of "false news" and up to 7 years for those who defame not only the soldiers of the regular armed forces, but also the "volunteers", for example those of Wagner.

Still in the lower branch of the Moscow Parliament, a bill is in the process of being approved which plans to move the age for conscription to military service from 27 to 30.

The maximum age will be raised immediately from 27 to 30 years, the minimum will be gradually raised from 18 to 21.

Therefore, according to a grid published by Novaya Gazeta Europa, in 2024 men aged 19 to 30 could be called to arms, in 2025 from 20 to 30 years old and only in 2026 from 21 to 30 years old. In practice, more conscript classes than usual could be called in the two years of transition.

In any case, according to the bill, adult citizens who wish to serve before the age of 21 will be able to do so. The authors of the bill say they want to 'ensure that citizens receive both general secondary education and vocational secondary or higher education'.