The Kremlin has passed a new law criminalizing criticism of mercenary groups such as the Wagner group. Those convicted face up to 15 years in prison. Criticism of the armed forces used to be a punishable offence. As for the war, freedom of speech in Russia has been severely curtailed.
A number of opponents of the war have been sentenced to several years in prison in recent months for allegedly discrediting the Russian military. Internationally, many of them are considered political prisoners. In the future, not only criticism of the Russian army, but also of mercenaries will be punishable. The extension of the law is seen as a measure to protect the Wagner mercenary group.
Group Wagner is now a terrorist organization in Lithuania
These troops are currently fighting mainly around the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. Founder Yevgeny Prigozhin had already called on the government to protect the mercenaries, who are officially considered volunteers, from libel. In Lithuania, the Wagner group is now unanimously classified as a terrorist organization. The organization is accused of systematically committing serious crimes. It is said to kill and torture civilians in Ukraine and bomb houses and other civilian objects. This classification is mainly symbolic.
The new law, which criminalizes criticism of mercenary groups, provides for a prison sentence of up to 15 years. For example, it should be punished for discrediting “volunteer fighters” in Ukraine.
Source: Krone
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