The Russian State Duma passed a bill imposing restrictions on government critics abroad, according to reports that describe the legislation as having advanced through parliament. The bill includes denial of consular services and blocking of banking and property rights for targeted individuals.
The State Duma had been expected to vote on an updated version of the bill, which cuts off exiled critics from banking and property services, according to a report that described the text ahead of the vote. A milder version of the bill, including basic asset freezes and denial of consular services, was passed in its first reading last December.
Lawyers said the law meant 'de facto loss of citizenship' for those targeted, according to a report. Political activists and journalists are among those most at risk under the law, another report stated.
The bill has drawn criticism from rights advocates who warn it extends the government's ability to punish dissent beyond Russia's borders. The legislation's future remains unclear, with some sources describing it as proposed and others as passed.
