The Kremlin. Stock photo: Getty Images

Russia’s State Duma has passed, in its second and third final readings, a bill introducing “temporary restrictive measures against individuals outside the Russian Federation who evade punishment”.

Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza

Details: The bill applies to Russian citizens who have been convicted in absentia in both criminal and administrative cases and entered into a special register. It also covers “politically motivated charges”.

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Those included in the register will be unable to:

• obtain passports or use consular services

• access Russian banking apps or make money transfers

• carry out transactions involving real estate or vehicles

• enter into any agreements through a power of attorney

• access income earned in Russia, which will instead be transferred to special accounts beyond their control.

The law will enter into force as soon as it is officially published. It must still be approved by Russia’s Federation Council and signed by the Russian leader. It passed its first reading in December 2025.

Background: Russian ruler Vladimir Putin previously signed a law allowing the seizure of property belonging to Russian citizens living abroad who commit offences against Russia’s interests.

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