Russia Revokes Citizenship from 398 Foreigners for Criminal Activities

In Russia, 398 former foreigners have had their citizenship revoked by authorities, according to TASS, citing the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These individuals had previously received Russian citizenship but were found to have committed crimes within the first six months of obtaining it.

The “Freedom” service reports that a new law called the “Citizenship” law took effect in Russia on October 26, 2023. This law allows for the deprivation of Russian citizenship from foreigners who engage in activities such as discrediting the Russian army, spreading fake information, sabotage, defection, anti-Russian activities, espionage, treason, violating laws related to foreign agents, as well as hooliganism and falsification of important documents.

Just two months after the law was enacted in December 2023, the first case of citizenship deprivation occurred. The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moscow reported that two individuals were arrested with packages containing drugs. While judgments were made in their cases, the sentences were not announced. Subsequently, they were stripped of their Russian citizenship.

Overall, this new law serves as a warning to all individuals who hold Russian citizenship to abide by the laws of the country and avoid facing similar consequences for misusing their citizenship or engaging in criminal activities.