Threats against officials on the internet could lead to up to 10 years in prison: what the new bill provides for

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered draft law No. 14372, which provides for increased criminal liability for threats, as well as public calls or incitement to violence against state and public figures. The changes are proposed to be made to Article 346 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

This applies not only to actual attacks or direct threats, but also to statements made in public spaces, including social networks, messengers, or comments under posts. The authors of the bill emphasize that current legislation does not cover liability for public calls for violence, which creates a legal loophole and de facto impunity for such actions.

The bill proposes to consider threats of murder, violence, kidnapping, deprivation of liberty, harm to health, or destruction of property a criminal offense, regardless of how they are expressed. This could be verbal or written, online messages, or showing photos, videos, or weapons. For these actions against officials, judges, law enforcement officers, politicians, and their close relatives, the punishment would be 5 to 8 years in prison.

Special attention is paid to public calls or incitement to violence. Even sharing, commenting on, or approving such content online may be classified as a crime and punishable by imprisonment for a term of 6 to 10 years.

The responsibility for the actual use of violence is also increased: for bodily harm — from 7 to 10 years in prison, for grievous bodily harm — up to 15 years.

The most severe penalties are provided for cases where such actions are committed during martial law, repeatedly, by a group of persons, with the use of weapons, or for reasons of political hatred. In such situations, the punishment can be up to life imprisonment.

Lawmakers explain the need for change by the increase in aggressive calls on social media, as well as the high level of illegal weapons proliferation among the civilian population, which significantly increases the risk of real violent actions.

Important: if the bill is passed, the line between “emotional commentary” and criminal liability may become much thinner. Therefore, any public statements, especially on the Internet, will require a more balanced approach.

If you have any questions about potential legal risks, liability for public statements, or the practical application of criminal law, our company’s lawyers are ready to provide professional advice.