Russia’s Putin signs decree introducing life sentences for treason

Since the Ukraine war began, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree raising the maximum sentence for treason to life in prison.

The Kremlin website published the decree. Lawmakers had already increased treason punishments to life from 20 years.

The maximum punishment for “a terrorist act”—defined as a crime that endangered lives and destabilized Russia—was increased to 20 years from 15 years.

“International terrorism” might be condemned to life, up from 12 years, and sabotage could be 20 years, up from 15. “International terrorism” wasn’t defined in the edict.

Putin signed the new rule at a time when rights groups say authorities are intensifying measures to silence the remaining opposition.

Russia claims such rules are needed to prevent Ukraine and Western espionage agencies from infiltrating the nation.