Russia is planning to stifle criticism of Vladimir Putin’s regime by forcing foreigners entering the country to sign a ‘loyalty pledge’, state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday.
Russia’s Interior Ministry is introducing a draft law on the loyalty pledge, under which foreigners will be banned from “discrediting the country’s domestic or foreign policy and public authorities or government officials”, according to a copy of the text.
The purpose of the bill is to protect “Russian national interests”, TASS reported, citing the document. The bill would prohibit foreigners from criticising official policy and Soviet military history. It would also ban the promotion of LGBT relations.
It’s unclear whether the law would apply to tourists and other short-stay visitors or to those on long-term visas.
The bill, which is expected to be sent to the Russian parliament soon, comes months before Russia’s presidential election in March. Putin is expected to win.
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment, which was sent outside normal business hours.