Russia's Civic Death Law Targets Exiled Critics

Civic Death Law Russia is set to be reviewed by the State Duma on May 26, targeting exiled critics accused of acting against Russia's interests abroad. This proposed legislation, titled "On Investigation of Foreign Interference in Russia's Internal Affairs," has been prepared by a dedicated parliamentary commission. It outlines severe restrictions for Russian exiles convicted of offenses typically associated with politically motivated prosecutions. The offenses covered in this Civic Death legislation include “discrediting the armed forces,” failing to meet the requirements of Russia’s “foreign agent” law, engaging with prohibited “undesirable” organizations, advocating for sanctions against Russia, undermining the country’s territorial integrity, and spreading information considered disrespectful to the Russian state, government entities, or societal values. In a move reminiscent of Belarus's long-standing restrictions on its nationals accessing consular services abroad, the Russian draft law also prohibits providing consular aid such as renewing passports or notary services to these convicted exiled critics. This means they will be barred from using Russian government digital services, impeding their ability to request official documents or perform any actions or contracts via power of attorney. Additionally, their bank accounts, assets, and properties within Russia will be frozen, along with the disabling of their online banking access. Independent media and experts have aptly dubbed this proposed law as “the law on [exiles’] civic death.” Vasily Piskaryov, chairperson of the foreign interference commission, expressed disappointment regarding the West, noting that countries refuse to extradite those involved in “anti-Russian campaigning,” forcing Russian authorities to render the lives of so-called “traitors” abroad comparably bleak to that of imprisonment. The intent behind this Kremlin-authored Civic Death Law is abundantly clear. If enacted, it will escalate the government’s retaliatory measures against exiled critics. Governments that uphold human rights should ensure that Russians living in their territories can exercise fundamental rights. If necessary, they must introduce viable alternatives for documentation, allowing exiled individuals to work, travel, and obtain essential services. For more information on international human rights practices, visit [Human Rights Watch](https://www.hrw.org) and [Amnesty International](https://www.amnesty.org). For insights on issues affecting exiled individuals, explore our resources on [www.globemigrant.com/resource1](http://www.globemigrant.com/resource1) and [www.globemigrant.com/resource2](http://www.globemigrant.com/resource2). Source: https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/05/25/russia-plans-civic-death-law-for-exiled-critics

Russia’s Civic Death Law Targets Exiled Critics

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