Russia Passes Law Penalizing Criticism and Dissemination of False Information on Mercenaries

Russian lawmakers have passed a legislation that criminalizes the spreading of "fake" information and "discrediting" any force fighting for Russia in Ukraine, including private mercenary units such as the Wagner Group. Violations will be punished with up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 rubles ($3,985) for "public actions" aimed at "discrediting...volunteer formations, organizations or individuals" aiding the Russian military. The bill must now receive a single vote of approval in the upper-house Federation Council before being signed into law by President Vladimir Putin.