The State Duma has returned to considering a law against Russians who criticize the authorities from abroad because of ...

The State Duma has returned to considering a law against Russians who criticize the authorities from abroad

Lawmakers approved amendments for the second reading of the bill "On temporary restrictive measures against persons located outside the Russian Federation and evading punishment."

This concerns Russian citizens who have been sentenced in both criminal and administrative cases. The package of two bills passed its first reading in December 2025. It will be considered in the second reading on July 22.

What amendments were introduced:

✹ The version for the second reading states that the laws come into force from the moment of official publication.

✹ A clause was added on recovering court costs and damages from frozen funds or from a special account to which the income of those falling under the new law is to be directed.

✹ Amendments were added under which banks will have to block access to apps and personal accounts on the website for "persons located outside the Russian Federation and evading punishment."

✹ For the second reading, the ban on real estate transactions was spelled out in more detail.

✹ The Ministry of Justice will maintain the register of "persons located outside the Russian Federation and evading punishment."

@meduzalive