The Duma in Russia has been considering a draft law related to the death penalty, aiming to address treason within the Criminal Code and to allow revisions if lawmakers foresee changes. The death penalty remains legally on the books in Russia, though it has not been carried out since a 2001 moratorium removed the phrase death penalty from the Criminal Code. This moratorium was approved with the support of a group of deputies in the lower house and reflected a broad debate about Russia’s approach to punishment and national security. The current regulation allows for the repeal of amendments that were already approved if circumstances change, for example if laws expire or if votes reject certain provisions.
In the course of discussions, some have argued that the project would reawaken debates about the fate of political and criminal cases in Russia. Reports note that several key figures associated with the initial moratorium from years past have since passed away, which has shaped the public and political conversation around the measure. One longtime supporter of the initiative, Boris Nadezhdin, suggested to a major Russian newspaper that the withdrawal of the proposal would be a sign of shifting political priorities. The only signatory still actively serving in the Duma at the time of those statements was Pavel Krasheninnikov, who is a member of the ruling party.
Analysts cited by the press indicate that under current Russian law the Duma cannot easily advance a bill that seeks to reopen the death penalty debate without clear procedural prerequisites. In sum, observers note that lawmakers continued to explore new draft provisions that could affect penalties for terrorism, treason, and sabotage, with reports from several Russian news agencies confirming ongoing debates.
No return to a new moratorium
As indicated by Boris Nadezhdin in discussions with Vedomosti, the regulations make it unlikely that the State Duma will start considering a fresh moratorium if another initiative has already passed one reading. This suggests there could be a formal presentation of a bill that would reintroduce the death penalty under certain conditions.
Some voices inside Russia have urged reintroducing the death penalty in various contexts. Statements from officials in Crimea, a region under Russian administration, sparked debate about the consequences and practicalities of such a move. They highlighted a wartime perspective where some argue capital punishment should be possible for severe crimes. Other political factions, including leaders from the Fair Russia party and allies of the former leadership, have called for revisiting the moratorium. A prominent figure in the Liberal Democratic Party has also expressed support, while a former president of Russia voiced support for reinstating it in wartime sabotage cases.