Russia to seize assets of Russians abroad for insulting Putin

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signed a law enabling the confiscation of property belonging to Russian citizens who have moved abroad and committed offences against the interests of the Russian Federation.

Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza

Details: The law will enter into force on 1 September. Russia's State Duma, the lower house of the parliament, approved it on 26 May.

From autumn onwards, assets may be confiscated from Russians living abroad under more than 10 articles of the Code of Administrative Offences, many of which, according to DW, can be used for politically motivated persecution.

They include "violating the rules governing the activities of a 'foreign agent'", "producing and distributing extremist materials", "spreading fake news and abusing media freedom", participating in the activities of "undesirable organisations", and "discrediting" the Russian military.

Also on the list is "publicly equating the actions and decisions of the leadership of the USSR and Nazi Germany".

Other offences that may lead to asset seizure include insulting the head of state and officials, "discrediting" the military, and calling for sanctions to be imposed against Russia.

Background: Russia also intends to reduce crude oil exports as it plans to increase refining volumes in June amid fears of fuel shortages.

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