Ukraine war: Russian parliament wants to have war opponents expropriated

The Russian parliament has approved a much-discussed law to confiscate the property of war opponents and enemies of the state. The innovation was passed unanimously in the second and third readings, according to the State Duma’s official website.

“We have discussed the issue more than once – the absolute majority supports the need to punish the traitors who pour dirt on our country and our soldiers and officers participating in the special military operation from abroad, or who support the Nazi regime in Kiev and financed,” said Duma leader Vyacheslav Volodin.

On his Telegram channel, Volodin speaks of a “law against rags.” The deprivation of property and honorary titles is intended to punish, among other things, the discrediting of the army, public calls for extremism, or calls for sanctions against Russia or aiding in their enforcement. Anyone who supports international organizations of which Russia is not a member or foreign authorities must therefore expect expropriation in the future.

Finally, Putin’s signature

After three readings in the Duma, the law must also pass the Federation Council (upper house) until Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin signs it into force. However, Volodin’s initiatives are generally waved through by all authorities.

Since the Russian war of aggression began on February 24, 2022, hundreds of thousands of people have left their homes. Many celebrities from abroad criticize Putin and his war. Because they cannot be punished with imprisonment in a camp, there has been a long-standing discussion in Russia about how the judiciary can still prosecute these citizens.