In a move that has stirred controversy, the Kremlin has introduced a bill seeking to confiscate property and valuables from individuals convicted of crimes such as “discrediting the Russian army” or advocating for foreign sanctions, notably targeting critics of the war in Ukraine.
The draft legislation, submitted to Russia’s State Duma on Monday, has garnered support from major political parties, suggesting a likelihood of passing into law. The bill aims to empower the government to seize assets and money linked to illegal activities or perceived threats to national security, as determined by court orders.
Under the proposed law, law enforcement would be authorized to confiscate honorariums received by journalists or researchers convicted of disseminating “fake information” about the Ukraine invasion. Additionally, more substantial properties, including cars or apartments, could be seized as substitutes, according to legal experts.
The Kremlin has openly acknowledged that the legislation targets anti-war Russians, marking another step in a series of measures aimed at silencing critics of the war or those highlighting Russian war crimes in Ukraine since President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Vyacheslav Volodin, the chair of the State Duma, emphasized the need to punish those who support anti-Russian sentiments or criticize the war effort. “Anyone who tries to destroy Russia, betrays it, must be punished as they deserve and compensate the damage caused to the country at the expense of their property,” stated Volodin.
The bill outlines specific offenses that could lead to property confiscation, including spreading false information about the army, discrediting the army, advocating for sanctions against Russia, promoting extremism or Nazism, or posing threats to state security. It also targets individuals assisting in the execution of decisions by international organizations that exclude Russia.
Legal experts caution that the proposed amendments could facilitate the government’s crackdown on anti-war Russians, particularly those who have fled the country. Maria Nemova, a lawyer for the Memorial human rights group, noted that the amendments are primarily aimed at combating the “internal enemy” – those opposing the war.
Evgeny Smirnov, head of the independent legal firm First Department, warned that the bill provides law enforcement agencies with a “new tool” to pressure dissenters and could result in the confiscation of various properties acquired before the commission of the alleged crimes.
Moreover, the legislation would enable Russian courts to strip public awards from individuals speaking out against the war and subsequently facing trial for discrediting the army or spreading “false information” about the conflict. The proposed law adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of expression and dissent in Russia.