‘Civic death’ for exiled Russians

Hello! This week we analyze a new law that would strip political emigres of basic civil rights — a ramping up of repression beyond Russia’s borders that shows Moscow is still worried about the potential of anti-war exiles to destabilize the situation at home.

‘Criminals, degenerates and ne’er-do-wells’

Exiled Russians who fled the country because of the war continue to trouble Russia’s leaders. In the final days of the current State Duma’s term, lawmakers rushed through a bill that strips political emigres of basic civil rights — like renewing their passports or accessing their bank accounts. However, these harsh new measures won’t necessarily be used to target every single opponent of Vladimir Putin’s regime.