Putin Signs Law Targeting Exiled Russians

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that imposes sweeping restrictions on Russians who have been convicted in absentia, including those who have been accused of being 'foreign agents' or 'discrediting' the military. The law targets exiled regime critics and restricts their access to basic consular services and personal affairs back home.

The restrictions include managing one’s finances, properties, and legal matters, and accessing basic consular services. Bank accounts will be frozen, embassies will refuse most appointments, and people to whom the law applies won’t be able to use the government’s digital services portal or register a marriage.

The law is the latest in a series of wartime measures designed to put pressure on exiled regime critics, known as 'transnational repression'. People convicted of a crime or certain administrative offenses residing abroad will be added to a publicly available register and subject to the restrictions.

The inclusion of administrative offenses means that authorities can cast a wide net, expanding punishment to people branded 'foreign agents', those who have worked with 'undesirable organizations', and those who have 'discredited' the military. Human rights organizations have decried the new measures as an attempt to further hamstring Russian political exiles, many of whom fled Russia due to increased wartime repression.

## Why it matters The law has been referred to as the 'civic death law' due to its severity. Russians living in exile have expressed concern about how the law could impact them, but have yet to see the full picture of how it will be implemented. The restrictions will make it difficult or impossible for exiled Russians to manage their personal affairs, including granting power of attorney or obtaining a passport.

The new law is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to exert control over its citizens, even those living outside the country. It underscores the challenges faced by Russian political exiles, who often flee their home country due to persecution or fear of reprisal. As the law comes into effect, it is likely to have significant implications for the lives of thousands of exiled Russians, limiting their ability to interact with their home country and manage their personal affairs.