MOSCOW. Dec 14 (Interfax) - A bill toughening punishment for recruitment to terrorist organizations with up to life in prison has passed its third and final reading in the State Duma.
The bill divides terrorist crimes into two categories differing in their degree of punishment.
Recruitment and incitement to public appeals for terrorism or its justification, as well as the taking of hostages without causing deaths, the creation of an illegal armed formation, the hijacking of a ship, an aircraft, or a train, the illegal distribution of radioactive or nuclear material, the theft of radioactive or nuclear material, intrusion on the life of a statesman or a community leader, seizing power, armed revolt, or attacking individuals or entities enjoying international protection are punishable by five to 15 years in jail (currently five to ten years).
A longer sentence, eight to 15 years or even life in jail, will be passed on individuals convicted of recruitment or incitement to a terror attack, terrorist training, the creation of a terrorist cell, the organization of the activity of a terrorist organization, conspiracy to take hostages or a lethal hostage incident, the hijacking of a ship, aircraft, or train for terrorist purposes, or the arming or training of a person for the purpose of carrying out a terror attack.
When recruitment is carried out by means of abuse of office, it is punishable by ten to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 1 million rubles or life in jail.