Deputies of the Russian State Duma have passed in the third reading a law on toughening punishment for organizing and participating in an armed rebellion, Kommersant reports.

The bill, which introduces distinctions between participants in a rebellion, was considered on Tuesday, December 17, in the second and third readings at once.

For the organization or leadership of the rebellion, punishment is introduced from 15 to 20 years in prison with restriction of freedom. Participation in it is punishable by 12 to 20 years with restriction of freedom for the same period. If the mutiny caused the death of a person or “other grave consequences”, then its organizers and participants will face imprisonment from 15 to 20 years with a fine of 500 thousand rubles and restriction of freedom. In the same case, the court may decide on life imprisonment.

Now article 279 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation is limited to the fact that active participation or organization of rebellion is punishable by imprisonment for a term of twelve to twenty years with restriction of freedom for up to two years.