Putin signs law approving criminal punishment for calls to separatism

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law, according to which the Criminal Code of Russia stipulates criminal punishment for public incitement to separatism.

In accordance with the law, public calls to separatism are punishable by a fine up to 300,000 rubles, compulsory works for up to 300 hours, or imprisonment for up to three years.

Offenses committed through the media or the Internet, shall be punishable either by compulsory works for up to 480 hours or imprisonment for up to five years. The law will come in effect on May 9, 2014.