Russian Duma Passes Bill Imposing 12-Plus Curbs on Exiled Critics as Passport Renewals Face Cutoff
Updated
Updated · The Moscow Times · Jul 22
Russian Duma Passes Bill Imposing 12-Plus Curbs on Exiled Critics as Passport Renewals Face Cutoff
3 articles · Updated · The Moscow Times · Jul 22
Summary
Russia’s State Duma approved a bill and amendments that would bar exiled Kremlin critics from online banking, real estate deals and consular services, sending the package to the Federation Council.
More than a dozen restrictions would hit Russians convicted in absentia for offenses such as “discrediting” the military or linked to “foreign agent” status, with the Justice Ministry publishing a public registry.
Russian embassies would stop providing key consular services — including passport renewals and marriage registration — while courts could seize money from already frozen Russian bank accounts for legal costs and damages.
Pyotr Tolstoy said the measures should deter criticism by targeting critics’ finances, while rights lawyer Anastasia Burakova said the law would reduce affected emigres to near-statelessness.
Human Rights Watch had already labeled the proposal a “civic death law”; if the upper house and Vladimir Putin approve it, the restrictions would take effect immediately.
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Russia Escalates Transnational Repression: 2026 Law Strips Exiled Critics of Banking and Consular Services
Overview
In July 2026, Russia's State Duma approved a new law targeting citizens living abroad who have been convicted in absentia. The law is designed to pressure these individuals to return to Russia by denying them banking and consular rights. This means exiled critics lose access to financial services and support from Russian embassies, making it difficult to manage money or get help abroad. As a result, targeted individuals are left isolated from state protection, facing severe limitations on daily life and increased pressure to return and face prosecution.