Journalists at Mediazona have reported the first known jailing in Russia of a suspect charged with violating a new law against “aiding the enemy.” Records show that Moscow’s Lefortovo District Court sent a defendant named Demidenko to a pretrial detention center pending trial.
In late 2024, Russian officials modified the nation’s criminal code to introduce prison sentences of up to 15 years for foreign nationals and stateless persons who provide financial, consulting, or other assistance to “a foreign state or international or foreign organization directly opposing Russia in armed conflict, military actions, or other actions involving the use of weapons and military equipment.”
On July 17, the State Duma voted to expand the grounds for revoking Russian citizenship acquired by naturalization. The new list now includes “aiding the enemy” offenses.
In late 2024, Russian officials modified the nation’s criminal code to introduce prison sentences of up to 15 years for foreign nationals and stateless persons. The law targets those who provide financial, consulting, or other assistance to “foreign states or international organizations directly opposing Russia in armed conflict, military actions, or other actions involving weapons and military equipment.”