Russia Moves to Expand Curbs on Critics Living Abroad, Amnesty Warns

July 22, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Russia is moving to expand restrictions on government critics living abroad through legislation that would block access to banking, property transactions and consular services, prompting Amnesty International to warn that the measures would extend state repression beyond the country's borders. The proposed law, approved by a State Duma committee on July 20 and scheduled for a second reading on July 22, would create a register managed by the Ministry of Justice for people outside Russia who are deemed to be evading criminal or administrative penalties imposed under Russian law.

Those placed on the register would lose access to most consular and electronic government services, be prevented from using mobile and online banking, making remote bank transfers, or selling and registering property. The measures would also freeze bank accounts, invalidate driving and other licences, and impose additional restrictions on managing assets. According to the draft legislation, the register would apply to individuals penalised under a range of Russian laws, including those governing "foreign agents" and "undesirable organisations", as well as offences such as "discrediting" the Russian Armed Forces, calling for sanctions against Russia and other acts deemed to be "against the interests of the Russian Federation".

Marie Struthers, Amnesty International's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said the proposed legislation sought to target people who had left Russia but continued to criticise the government. "This legislation is a chilling attempt to punish people who have left Russia but continue to criticize its authorities," Struthers said. "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."

She said many of those affected had left Russia to avoid intimidation and the risk of lengthy prison sentences for expressing dissent, adding that the state was now developing new ways to reach them abroad. Amnesty said appeals for Russian lawmakers to reject the legislation were unlikely to prevent its adoption and urged governments hosting Russian exiles to establish practical mechanisms to protect those affected. The organisation called for measures to help individuals maintain access to essential banking services and obtain documents such as passports despite the proposed restrictions.

This development reflects ongoing efforts by Russian authorities to extend control over critics living outside the country, raising concerns among human rights organisations about the impact on freedom of expression and exile communities.

Source: FSX Business News