Russian lawmakers propose tougher penalties for inciting ‘terrorism’ and riots. Online comments advocating mass unrest could mean up to six years in prison.

Russian lawmakers Vasily Piskarev and Eduard Valeyev from the United Russia party have introduced a bill aimed at increasing penalties for inciting terrorism and mass unrest. The government has expressed support for the bill, according to an official cabinet assessment obtained by TASS, a Russian news agency.

Under the proposed legislation, public calls for mass unrest would see the maximum term of movement restrictions extended from two to three years in prison and the maximum sentences for forced labor and imprisonment increased from two to four years. Furthermore, online posts advocating unrest could result in up to six years of imprisonment. Currently, the maximum sentence for such calls stands at five years, with no minimum term.

For calls for terrorism specifically, the bill also includes a two-year minimum and a six-year maximum for an additional penalty. This penalty would prevent offenders from holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities. Notably, the bill would impose a minimum term and a higher maximum for this penalty, aiming to address the issue of calls made "in closed groups whose members have no intention of reporting what is happening to law enforcement or assisting the authorities." Consequently, lawmakers believe this additional penalty should carry a higher maximum penalty.

TASS did not provide details on whether the bill has been submitted to the State Duma or when the lawmakers intend to submit it. According to OVD-Info, calls for terrorism under Russia's Criminal Code Article 205.2 were the most common charge in political cases in 2025, with 102 criminal investigations opened under that article. In 2024, the number of investigations increased to 147.