The Federal Law is aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the criminal law protection of the foundations of constitutional order and security of the Russian Federation.
To that end, the following measures are introduced for individuals found guilty of committing acts of sabotage:
- statutes of limitations for criminal prosecution and for the enforcement of guilty verdicts are abolished;
- courts are prohibited from imposing a penalty more lenient than that prescribed by the relevant article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation;
- the minimum term of imprisonment required before an offender may petition for early release on parole has increased;
- suspended sentences are prohibited for individuals convicted of participating in acts of sabotage.
Persons who establish a terrorist organisation or a sabotage network will be held liable not only for their creation and leadership, but also for all acts committed by these criminal structures.
The amendments introduce tougher liability for involving minors in acts of sabotage or terrorist activity.
Additionally, the age of criminal liability is lowered from 16 to 14 for aiding terrorist activity, organising a terrorist cell or the activities of a terrorist organisation, as well as for committing acts of sabotage.