Two men have been jailed in Russia with sentences of one year each
following conviction for an internet hoax. The two had posted
messages claiming to be nuclear rocket commanders with plans to
destroy cities in Europe.
They claimed to be driven to the edge by the strain of post-Soviet
life and made demands to be met to avert the proposed nuclear
strike.
The FBI in the US and police in Austria asked the Russian
authorities to investigate. The Russian FSB security police
identified the men responsible and the two were convicted yesterday
under a statute that forbids alarmist hoaxes causing material
damage or danger to the public.
The FSB has the right to intercept internet traffic in Russia on
grounds of national security.
