Moscow, Russia - Following recent mass arrests during unauthorized protests in support of Russian dissent Alexei Navalny, the Russian parliament on Wednesday significantly increased penalties for people participating in and financing the demonstrations.

Anyone who fails to follow the instructions of the Russian security forces in the future will face fines of between 10,000 and 200,000 roubles ($135 to 2,700$), according to a new law.

On top of detention penalties, 40 to 120 hours of compulsory labor may be imposed in the future. The penalties are intended to stop people from taking part in demonstrations in the first place.

The punishments for repeated non-compliance with instructions from state authorities have been significantly increased.

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The Russian parliament has passed a number of laws that human rights organizations criticize as increasing repression of Russian civil society.

In January, over 11,000 people were arrested during demonstrations for the release of Navalny and in protest at President Vladimir Putin.

After Navalny's team called on the US and the EU to impose sanctions on Russia, the parliament dominated by the pro-Putin United Russia party is now discussing a law which would classify such demands as treason against the homeland.

In addition to a large number of lawmakers, Oleg Deripaska, an oligarch with close ties to the Kremlin who is affected by sanctions, welcomed such a law.

State media repeatedly refer to Putin's critics as enemies of the Russian people.