Russia passes bill to criminalize insulting the state

Russian lawmakers on Thursday passed legislation that would allow authorities to fine and potentially jail individuals who insult the state.

The Associated Press reported that the country’s lower house of lawmakers passed a bill that levies fines for publishing materials that disrespect the government and country symbols. Repeat offenders could face a 15-day jail sentence, the AP reported.

The lower house additionally endorsed a separate bill that would outlaw anyone from publishing “fake news” online if it is deemed a threat to public health and security, the AP reported.

{mosads}The bills must still pass the upper house of lawmakers before President Vladimir Putin signs them into law.

The AP reported that the bills received some pushback from lawmakers who argued that their vagueness could lead to selective interpretation and be used to punish critics.

International watchdogs have raised concerns for years about Russia’s efforts to quash dissent.

Multiple Putin critics have turned up dead over the years, and the country ranks toward the bottom among all nations in terms of press freedom, according to the World Press Freedom Index.