Putin signs law restricting Russians convicted in absentia

The law encompasses convictions under any article of Russia's Criminal Code, as well as several administrative offenses often used against government critics. These include violations of the "foreign agents" law, participation in "undesirable" organizations, "discrediting" the Russian military, advocating for sanctions against Russia, and challenging Russia's territorial integrity.

Russian authorities state the law aims to prevent individuals living abroad from evading punishment while still accessing Russian financial and government services. The Justice Ministry will maintain a registry, or "blacklist," of those affected. Individuals on this list will face frozen Russian bank accounts and assets, be barred from online banking and the Gosuslugi government services portal, and be prohibited from selling or transferring real estate and vehicles, obtaining loans, receiving certain state payments, or registering as self-employed.

Furthermore, access to Russian consular services abroad will be severely limited. Embassies and consulates will be unable to issue passports or most other official documents to individuals on the list, though they may provide certificates confirming a person is alive. Legal experts from the human rights group First Department described the restrictions as akin to a "de facto deprivation of citizenship," noting that the state retains jurisdiction and control without providing the rights typically associated with citizenship.