World

Russia’s parliament passes bill on property confiscation for spreading false information about army

MOSCOW — The State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, on Wednesday approved the initial stage of a bill that permits the confiscation of property from individuals convicted of various offenses, including disseminating “deliberately false information” about the Russian military.

The legislation also targets those deemed guilty of “discrediting” the armed forces, advocating for sanctions against Russia, or inciting extremist activities.

The bill was passed in the first of three necessary readings with a vote of 395 to 3.

Under this proposed law, the Russian state would be authorized to seize the assets of Russians who have left the country and criticized the conflict in Ukraine, particularly those who continue to generate income through rental properties in Russia.