Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Revokes Citizenship for Criminal Activity
In a precedent-setting move, Russia has stripped individuals of citizenship for the first time due to criminal activities, based on a new law.
Riley Harper
- 2023-12-29
- Updated 03:25 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that nine migrants have recently been deprived of their Russian citizenship. This landmark enforcement action comes after the implementation of new legislative measures that provide expanded grounds for revoking citizenship. The individuals, originally from neighboring countries, have been convicted for offenses related to the illegal circulation of narcotics, among other crimes not specified in the ministry's announcement. As part of the process, their official documentation, including Russian passports, have been confiscated.
Scope of the New Law on Citizenship
The application of the new Russian legislation on citizenship marks a significant escalation in punitive measures for convicted individuals. Enacted in October 2023, the law widens the scope of circumstances under which citizenship status can be canceled. According to the updated legal framework, any criminal activity falling within Articles 18 to 64 of the Russian Federation Criminal Code is now a legitimate cause for citizenship revocation, illustrating a significant extension from the previous legislation.
Enforcement Across Five Regions
Decisions to revoke citizenship from the nine migrants have occurred in key regional areas, including the city of Moscow, Moscow region, city of Saint Petersburg, Leningrad region, and Tver region. Notices were promptly delivered to the affected individuals, indicating the termination of their citizenship. Following the completion of their respective prison terms, these non-citizens will be subject to deportation from Russian territory, the ministry detailed.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Internal Affairs' actions represent the first instance of citizenship revocation under the new legal statute, which may serve as a future deterrent against criminal activities by non-native residents. The after-effects of this policy and its impact on migration and crime within Russia will be closely monitored by legal analysts and international observers alike.
