Lawmakers stiffen custodial penalties for terrorists

Amendments to the Russian Criminal Code had their first reading at the State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament) today and met with the unanimous approval of lawmakers. The amendments seek to toughen measures of restraint for terrorists. Under the amendments, the term of imprisonment for terrorist activities without aggravation shall be increased from 8 years to 12 years, for aggravated terrorist activities from 10 years to 20 years, and for terrorist activities with special aggravation and consequences from 15 years to 20 years or life-long imprisonment.

The tightening of custodial penalties for terrorist activities is due to the increasing frequency of terrorist acts that are aimed at the public and cause numerous victims.