The State Duma has authorized the confiscation of properties belonging to Russians who have left the country, without trial and court decision. The measure will be taken if the authorities consider that the targeted individuals have committed actions against the state.
The law includes amendments to the Administrative Code of Russia, under which citizens who have gone abroad can be criminally prosecuted, reports Novaya Gazeta. It is about violating regulations regarding foreign agents, discrediting the army, spreading fake news, participating in the activities of organizations declared undesirable, showing disrespect towards the Government, and inciting hatred.
For the Russians residing abroad, the legislators have decided to eliminate punishments such as administrative arrest and community service, retaining only fines. To ensure their collection, the property of the accused could be confiscated even at the protocol stage, before the case reaches the court.
“Those who have fled abroad and, from there, with the money of Western sponsors, incite terrorism and extremism, justify Nazism and insult our soldiers and officers, must understand that they will be held accountable for their actions,” declared the President of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin.
Previously, such measures against citizens could only be applied after a judicial decision and the initiation of forced execution procedures.