TOP LEGAL EVENTS OF THE LAST WEEK
10/08/2023, 13:00
The legislator drew attention to paramilitary formations this week and decided to cease their activities. The cost of living for the "SMO" volunteers was estimated to be four times lower than the cost of living for the Russian military personnel. This decision was made to prevent the emergence of another "Prigozhin," bringing all the "volunteers" under the control of the Russian Armed Forces. Moreover, Russia continues its fight against the freedom of speech. Recent disruptions of access to VPN services indicate the desire to continue the construction of a closed internet for Russian citizens. These actions confirm the Kremlin's intention to suppress freedom of information in the country and eliminate such phenomena as online privacy.
The loss of the Russian "volunteer" will be compensated four times less than for the Russian Armed Forces serviceman. The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, signed the decree and established the amounts of compensation for the so-called "volunteers" and their families in the event of death, injury, or disability during combat operations (including events happening outside of Russia).
The authorities have launched an unprecedented campaign blocking VPN services. Users began reporting widespread disruptions and issues with VPN services on August 7th. Censors (Roskomnadzor) will attempt to block connection for private users.
The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a case against Baptist pastor Sipko on charges related to spreading fake information about the army. Criminal case has been launched against the former Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance, Yuri Sipko, in Moscow. In the spring of 2022, according to the investigation, he publicly posted a video which contained information about "the actions of the Russian Armed Forces against the civilian population of Ukraine."
The Russian government has included Norway to the list of unfriendly states. The Russian government has added Norway to the list of foreign countries committing unfriendly actions against Russian diplomatic and consular missions abroad.
