Russia’s State Duma unanimously passed a restrictive law imposing a jail term of up to 15 years for spreading what authorities deemed to be intentionally “fake” news about the country’s military. It meant anyone found guilty of knowingly disseminating information which “distorts the purpose, role and tasks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as other formations during special military and other operations” could face criminal sanctions. Journalists deemed to have published false information about the Russian invasion of Ukraine could face criminal punishment including up to 15 years in prison. The law would include reporting on the number of military casualties suffered by Russian armed forces or allegations of allegations of war crimes by the military.