Controversial Russian treason law comes into force
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 14 November 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Controversial Russian treason law comes into force, 14 November 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50b4d0c7c.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 14, 2012
Russian President Vladimir Putin
A controversial law broadening the definition of high treason has come into effect in Russia despite President Vladimir Putin's promise to review it.
The law expands the number of activities that constitute high treason to include cooperating with international organizations seen as working "against the security of Russia."
The bill has been harshly criticized by Western officials and rights activists who say the legislation could criminalize the sharing of information with rights groups such as Amnesty International or the European Court of Human Rights.
Two days before the legislation came into effect on November 14, Putin promised to review the bill to avoid a broad interpretation of treason, but he signed it into law on November 13.
Russia has recently passed laws which have labeled nongovernmental organizations that receive foreign funding as "foreign agents" and blacklisted antigovernment websites.
Based on reporting by AP and ITAR-TASS
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
