Russia introduces heavy prison terms for calls to act against security

Russia’s parliament on Wednesday toughened legislation on state treason and espionage and introduced harsh prison terms for calls to act against national security.

“The changes are an adequate and timely response to the challenges that our country is currently facing,” senior lawmaker Vasily Piskarev said in a statement released by the lower house of parliament.

Public calls to act against Russia’s security will be punished by up to seven years in prison.