Russia's parliament approves property confiscation for spreading 'fakes' about army

Russia’s State Duma on Wednesday approved the initial phase of a legislation that permits the confiscation of assets from individuals convicted of various crimes, including including spreading “deliberately false information” about the Russian army. According to Reuters, the measure extends to individuals found guilty of “discrediting” the armed forces, advocating for sanctions against Russia, or encouraging extremist activities. The bill, which received 395 votes in favor and 3 against during its first reading in the Duma, aims to empower the state to seize the property of Russian citizens who have departed the country and expressed criticism of the conflict in Ukraine. This includes those who continue to generate income by renting out their houses or apartments in Russia. Since sending its army into Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has intensified a long-running clampdown on all forms of political dissent. Under laws passed in March of that year, discrediting the armed forces or spreading false information about them are already punishable by long jail terms. With inputs from agencies