Slander Is Again A Crime

Slander, i.e. the circulation of knowingly fraudulent information denigrating the honor, dignity, or reputation of a person, is once again punishable by criminal liability. Russia’s Criminal Code has been amended with Articles 128.1 and 298.1 which establish penalty measures for:

• Slander, namely circulation of knowingly fraudulent information denigrating the honor, dignity or reputation of a person;
• Slander presented in public speech, a publicly displayed product, or mass media;
• Slander created and/or circulated in connection with the duties of office.
• Slander about person suffering from medical condition hazardous for the community, as well as slander accusing a person of a sex crime;
• Slander accusing a person of a grave and/or especially grave crime;
• Slander towards a court judge, juror, public prosecutor, investigator, preliminary investigator, bailiff.