A group of Russian lawmakers has introduced legislation that would allow the death penalty for certain corruption offenses, arguing that crimes affecting national security should be treated as acts of treason.
The proposal was submitted to the State Duma by deputies from the Fair Russia party, with party leader Sergei Mironov announcing the initiative during a visit to Yekaterinburg.
Proposal Focuses on Corruption Linked to National Defense
According to the draft bill, the new legislation would target officials whose corrupt actions directly weaken Russia’s defense capabilities or endanger public safety.
Supporters of the measure argue that existing criminal laws distinguish between conventional corruption and offenses such as espionage or treason, leaving what they describe as a legal gap when corruption causes serious harm to the country’s security interests.
The amendments would introduce a new criminal offense titled “Corruption activity resulting in damage to the country’s defense capability and citizens’ security.”
Severe Punishment Suggested for Offenders
Under the proposal, individuals convicted under the new offense could face penalties ranging up to capital punishment.
Mironov said corruption involving military infrastructure, weapons production, defense contracts or supplies for the armed forces should not be viewed as ordinary financial crimes.
Instead, he argued such actions amount to a betrayal of national interests because they can contribute to the deaths of both military personnel and civilians by weakening the country’s defense system.
Mironov Calls Corruption a Form of Treason
Explaining the reasoning behind the legislation, Mironov said officials who misuse public funds intended for defense effectively undermine the nation’s security for personal financial gain.
He maintained that corruption in strategically important sectors should be legally classified alongside crimes such as espionage and treason, contending that both ultimately damage the country’s ability to protect itself.
According to the lawmaker, those responsible for such offenses deserve the harshest penalties available under Russian law.
Supporters Point to International Examples
The explanatory note accompanying the legislation cites several countries that retain capital punishment for serious corruption offenses.
Lawmakers referenced China, Vietnam and Thailand as examples where severe penalties have been used against large-scale corruption.
The proposal specifically highlights China’s approach, arguing that highly publicized punishments can serve as a powerful deterrent to future corruption.
Bill Faces Legislative and Legal Review
The proposal will now move through Russia’s legislative process, where lawmakers will debate its provisions before any potential vote.
However, introducing the death penalty for new criminal offenses would also require broader legal and constitutional consideration, given Russia’s longstanding moratorium on executions and the complex legal framework governing capital punishment.
Whether the measure ultimately advances remains uncertain, but the proposal has already intensified debate over how Russia should respond to corruption that affects national defense and public security.
