Treason law raises fears of clampdown on dissent
Wednesday 14 November 2012
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EmailRussia's new treason law came into force today despite complaints that it's so vague that any dissent could be branded treachery.
The new law could see anyone possessing "secret" information be jailed for up to 20 years for espionage.
Previously high treason was defined as assisting a foreign state to the detriment of Russia's external security but the new law drops the word "external."
It includes providing help or advice to a foreign state or even giving information to an international organisation.
Former constitutional judge Tamara Morshchakova said the new law is so broad that proof is no longer required for a conviction - "an opinion of law enforcement agencies would suffice."
The change comes amid an increasingly severe clampdown on opposition to President Vladimir Putin's (below) rule which has seen harsher restrictions placed on protests and Left Front leader Sergei Udaltsov arrested for inciting riots.
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