**Russia Tightens Citizenship Laws to Punish Hostile Acts**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that expands the grounds for revoking naturalized Russian citizenship. This move comes as Moscow tightens its grip on territories under its influence, particularly in Ukraine and Georgia.
According to state-owned news agency TASS, the updated legislation adds 72 new items to the list of offenses that could lead to the loss of acquired Russian citizenship. These include severe violent crimes such as murder, terrorism, and public calls for terrorist activities. The revised law also targets actions deemed threats to national security, including cooperation with foreign states against Russia’s interests.
The law specifies additional grounds for revocation, including knowingly assisting in activities that undermine Russia’s security, publicly calling for actions against the state’s security, and collaboration with international organizations or foreign state bodies considered hostile by Moscow. This move is a clear indication of Putin’s intention to crack down on any perceived threats to his government.
**Simplifying Citizenship Process: A Double-Edged Sword?**
While Russia is now expanding the grounds for revoking naturalized citizenship, this move follows other recent legislation that has simplified the process for obtaining it. On May 17, Putin signed a decree making it easier for residents of Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to acquire Russian citizenship.
Under this decree, any adult “citizen” of Abkhazia and South Ossetia who held that status as of August 26, 2008 – the date Russia recognized the territories as “independent” – became eligible to apply for Russian citizenship via an expedited process. This move effectively granted full control over these territories to Moscow.
Similar tactics have been employed by Russia in Ukraine, where it has issued millions of Russian passports to residents of occupied Ukrainian territories. The claim that 2.2 million Russian passports were issued since October 2022 could not be independently verified, but the numbers are likely staggering.
**A Strategic Move: Commentary and Deeper Analysis**
This dual approach of expanding grounds for revoking citizenship while simplifying the process for obtaining it is a strategic move by Putin to maintain control over territories under his influence. By making it easier for residents to acquire Russian citizenship in areas like Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Moscow effectively gains full control over these regions.
On the other hand, expanding grounds for revoking naturalized citizenship sends a clear message that any perceived threats to national security will be met with severe punishment. This move is likely aimed at silencing dissenting voices within Russia itself, rather than targeting external enemies.
The implications of this new law are far-reaching and should be closely monitored by the international community. As tensions between Russia and its neighbors continue to rise, it’s essential to understand the complexities of Moscow’s strategy in maintaining control over territories under its influence.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
