The bill, which was published on the official online portal of the Russian government, introduces fines and administrative detention as penalties for non-compliance with martial law provisions.

Under the newly enacted law, citizens who fail to adhere to martial law regulations, without committing any criminal offenses, may face fines of up to 1,000 Russian rubles ($11.8) or administrative detention for a period of up to 30 days.

Government officials, on the other hand, could be subject to fines of up to 2,000 Russian rubles ($23.6) or the same 30-day administrative detention if found in violation.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the confiscation of vehicles as an additional punishment for non-compliance. This measure aims to strengthen the enforcement of martial law regulations and ensure compliance among the general population.

The introduction of martial law in several regions last October, including Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, which were annexed from Ukraine in 2020, sparked criticism from the international community. The West denounced the referendums held in these regions as "sham" and raised concerns about the implications of martial law on civil liberties.

The new law signed by President Putin will come into effect immediately upon its official publication, marking a significant development in Russia's legal framework regarding martial law enforcement. The legislation aims to maintain order and safeguard public safety during periods of heightened security concerns.

As the implementation of the law unfolds, its impact on citizens and government officials alike will be closely observed, with attention given to its compatibility with international human rights standards and the implications for individual freedoms in Russia. (ILKHA)