Putin signs law restricting state and consular services for Russians convicted in absentia

Vladimir Putin has signed a law stripping Russians who have fled the country and been convicted in absentia on political charges of access to key state and financial services.

Those affected will lose the ability to renew an international passport through a consulate, register property or a vehicle in Russia, use many government services online, and, in some cases, send money through banking apps.

The restrictions apply to anyone convicted in absentia under any article of Russia's Criminal Code, as well as under politically charged provisions of the Administrative Code — including “discrediting” the armed forces, violating the rules imposed on “foreign agents”, and participating in the activities of an “undesirable organisation”.

The law was published on the Russian government's official legal information portal and has already entered into force.

Putin signed several other laws this week, including Russia's first comprehensive framework for regulating the cryptocurrency market; an expansion of the categories of convicts who can sign contracts with the Defence Ministry; a ban on migrants with criminal records residing in Russia; an expanded list of administrative offences that can trigger deportation for foreigners; and a package of measures aimed at stabilising the fuel market.