A decree signed today by Russian President Vladimir Putin increased the maximum sentence for treason charges to life. Until now, the Russian criminal code provided for terms of imprisonment from 12 to 20 years.

The presidential decree is published on the Kremlin website.

On April 18, the State Duma (lower house) voted for amendments to the Criminal Code, providing for tougher penalties for certain crimes.

Among other things, it also provides for an increase in the maximum sentence for a charge of committing a “terrorist act” to 20 years in prison from 15.

According to the Russian Criminal Code, a “terrorist act” is defined as an act endangering people’s lives and aimed at destabilizing Russia.

Those convicted of “international terrorism” also face life imprisonment (until now the maximum sentence was 12 years in prison), without clarifying the definition of this category in the decree.

Those guilty of sabotage now face up to 20 years in prison (until now, the maximum sentence was 15 years in prison).

President Putin signed the new decree at a time when human rights groups are complaining that Russian authorities are stepping up efforts to silence Kremlin critics.

The Kremlin stresses that such laws are necessary to protect the country from threats posed by Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies.

Source: APE-MPE, Reuters.