Criticizing the armed forces

Russia's Constitutional Court has been asked to rule on the validity of a law that penalizes criticism of the armed forces. Details here, thanks to The New York Times. Excerpt:

More than 6,500 Russians have been penalized for “discrediting” the Russian Army since the law was passed by the Russian Parliament eight days after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, the lawyers said. People found to have broken the law are fined for a first offense, but conviction of another offense within a year can result in up to five years in prison.

A few other countries, such as Tunisia, Lebanon and Venezuela, criminalize insulting the armed forces and/or the flag.