Putin signs law making 'sabotage' punishable by life in prison

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a federal law making activities classified as “sabotage” punishable by up to life in prison.

The law adds three new paragraphs to the country’s Criminal Code. Under the changes:

• “Aiding sabotage” is now punishable by either a prison sentence of 10–20 years or a life sentence.
• “Training for the purposes of sabotage” or “organizing” sabotage is punishable by 15–20 years in prison or a life sentence.
• “Participating in a sabotage group” is punishable by 5–10 years in prison.