A new Russian law imposes financial and administrative restrictions on individuals living outside the country who have been convicted in absentia.
Key facts
- •The law applies to individuals convicted in absentia who are currently located outside Russia.
- •Restrictions include a freeze on bank accounts and a ban on selling real estate or vehicles.
- •Targeted individuals are prohibited from using the Gosuslugi government services portal.
- •The law denies certain consular services, such as the issuance of foreign travel passports.
- •The State Duma passed the bill on July 22.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law titled “On Temporary Restrictive Measures Against Individuals Located Outside the Russian Federation Who Are Evading Punishment.” The legislation, which took effect immediately upon publication, targets individuals who have left Russia and were convicted in absentia under various criminal or political statutes.
Scope of the new restrictions
The law applies to those convicted under statutes including “foreign agent” laws, participation in “undesirable organizations,” calls for sanctions, violations of territorial integrity, and the “discrediting” of the Russian army and authorities. Affected individuals face a freeze on Russian bank accounts, a ban on selling real estate and vehicles, and a prohibition on using the Gosuslugi government services portal and online banking. Additionally, those targeted will be denied specific consular services, including the issuance of foreign travel passports.
Legislative background and official statements
The State Duma passed the legislation on July 22. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stated that the law is intended to target political dissenters, describing them as individuals who “cause harm to our country” and “hide from punishment in other countries.”
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
