Reacting to proposed legislation in the Russian Duma that would impose sweeping restrictions on government critics targeted with problematic laws in Russia and living abroad, including the denial of consular services and the blocking of banking and property rights, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:
“This legislation is a chilling attempt to punish people who have left Russia but continue to criticize its authorities. By denying them access to their bank accounts, blocking property transactions and denying consular services, the Russian authorities are seeking to harass and penalize their opponents by any means possible.
“Many of those targeted by this legislation fled Russia to escape intimidation and the constant threat of lengthy prison terms for speaking out. The Russian state is now designing new ways to reach across borders and harm them.
“Calls on parliament to reject these draconian proposals are unlikely to halt their adoption. The governments of hosting countries must urgently develop practical mechanisms to counter the Russian government’s repressive overreach and ensure that people targeted by these measures can obtain access to basic services such as banking and secure essential documents such as passports.”
The governments of hosting countries must urgently develop practical mechanisms to counter the Russian government’s repressive overreach and ensure that people targeted by these measures can obtain access to basic services such as banking and secure essential documents such as passports
Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director
Background
On 20 July, a State Duma committee approved amendments to the draft of the law “On temporary restrictive measures concerning persons located outside the Russian Federation and evading the execution of punishment.” The bill is scheduled for its second reading on 22 July.
The proposed legislation would esta
… [more]
