Russia can now freeze citizenship rights ‘arbitrarily’ – exiled residents risk statelessness

Russia has introduced new restrictions targeting its citizens living abroad, according to The Moscow Times. The country’s Justice Ministry now has the power to freeze civic rights at its own discretion. “In practice, this makes a person stateless,” said Stefan Ingvarsson, an analyst at the Centre for Eastern European Studies at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs. The move follows a broader crackdown on Russians who “speak ill of the army,” as reported by the outlet. The new rules allow authorities to strip exiled individuals of rights such as voting, property access, or legal protections without a clear public justification. Under the new measure, the ministry can act without a court order, raising concerns among legal experts about due process. The exact criteria for triggering the freeze have not been fully disclosed, leaving room for arbitrary application. For Russians in exile, the practical consequences are severe. Losing civic rights can block access to passports, pensions, and even the ability to return to the country. Ingvarsson noted that the measure effectively creates a legal limbo for those targeted. The announcement adds to a series of laws tightening control over dissent since the start of the war in Ukraine. Critics argue the new powers are designed to silence opposition from abroad, while the Russian government has framed them as necessary for national security.