Russian Federation - April 2023

Several bills signed into law on 28 April raised the maximum sentence for treason to life in prison, and allowed for depriving naturalized citizens of their citizenship for “discrediting” the armed forces. A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on 27 April legalized the deportation of residents of illegally occupied Ukrainian territory who decline to take up Russian citizenship. The laws and decree are interpreted as providing the Russian state with more tools to punish and discourage dissent.

Sources: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, OVD-News