Russia to Seize Expatriates' Property Over Anti-War Criticism
The measure lets Russian courts seize property worth millions from emigrants accused of political offenses, even when the underlying fines are much smaller.
- On May 26, the Russian State Duma passed legislation authorizing authorities to seize property from Russians living abroad for activities deemed against the constitutional order, with Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin championing the amendments since 2023.
- Between 300,000 and 1 million Russian citizens fled following Ukraine's full-scale invasion, prompting Volodin to publicly lobby against emigrants he claimed receive fees while insulting soldiers.
- The legislation targets convictions for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces, participating in undesirable organizations, violating foreign agent laws, calling for sanctions, or distributing extremist materials, enabling courts to confiscate assets worth millions despite fines in tens of thousands.
- Volodin stated those who call for terrorism from abroad "must understand that they will be held accountable for criminal offenses and administrative violations alike," while trials proceed without defendants present and rulings are mailed to individuals.
- Russian leader Vladimir Putin recently signed legislation authorizing military deployments abroad citing protection of Russian citizens facing legal detention, while the law takes effect September 1, 2026, expanding administrative code provisions to individuals outside Russia.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Russians living abroad are threatened with confiscation of their assets in their homeland when they criticize Russia.
Being exiled and criticising power from abroad could now lead to the confiscation of its property on Russian soil. The Duma, the lower house of Parliament, finally passed on Tuesday 26 May a law allowing these seizures of emigrated property accused of having committed a "offence against Russia's interests abroad".
Political opponents in exile will be able to see their assets confiscated by the state. Duma president said that they "incit terrorism" with the help of the West and that "they will have to respond by acts".
Russian Duma passes law allowing property seizure from citizens living abroad and expands presidential military powers
On Tuesday, May 26, the Russian State Duma unanimously passed a bill in its second and third readings that allows the seizure of property belonging to citizens who have left the country, as a precautionary measure under several administrative offenses. The amendments are slated to take effect on September 1. The legislation covers more than ten articles of the administrative code, many of which have often been used to target individuals for poli…
Russia to Seize Expatriates' Property Over Anti-War Criticism
The Russian State Duma passed a new law in its second and third readings, allowing authorities to seize the property of Russians living abroad for “public actions against the foundations of the constitutional order and the state and public security of the Russian Federation,” The Moscow Times reported on May 26. The amendments, which Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has championed since 2023, authorize the confiscation of property as a “prevent…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
