Russia is considering taking action against those in the country who speak out against its invasion of Ukraine, according to a new piece of legislation in Russia’s parliament.
The legislation would allow the state the power to seize the property of those who are convicted of defamation of the armed forces or who are publicly calling for actions that would undermine Russia’s security, Bloomberg reported.
Since Russia began what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine, any criticism of the actions has been considered a crime.
The legislation will affect not only those in the country but also those who have left, allowing the government to seize the assets they still have in Russia.
The bill is being called “the scoundrel law,” a nickname given to it by Vyacheslav Volodin, one of Putin’s allies and the speaker of the State Duma lower house of parliament in Russia.
“Everyone who tries to destroy Russia, betrays it, must be published accordingly and repay the damage to the country in the form of their property,” Volodin said while announcing the bill, Reuters reported.
Putin is currently running for reelection in Russia as an independent candidate. If re-elected, the 71-year-old world leader would be in power over the country for another six years. He is currently expected to win the election in March.
Putin has twice used his power to amend Russia’s constitution, which could allow him to stay in power until his mid-80s.
Putin is currently the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, who died in 1953.