Russia launches blacklist that freezes assets and denies services to exiled critics

In late August, Russia's Justice Ministry activated an online registry that lists twelve individuals living outside the country who are subject to "temporary restrictive measures." The roster, headed by former oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky, also includes political scientist Yekaterina Schulmann, businessman Yevgeny Chichvarkin, philanthropist Boris Zimin and several others, each entry showing birth data, tax ID and pension numbers along with the justification for sanctions.

The measure stems from a law approved by the State Duma in July, which allows authorities to penalise Russians abroad who have allegedly avoided administrative or criminal punishments, effectively creating a modern "civil death." Those placed on the list face frozen bank accounts, blocked online banking, bans on real-estate and vehicle sales, prohibition of power-of-attorney transactions and denial of consular services.

Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko argued the legislation does not breach constitutional rights and is intended to protect national sovereignty, while acknowledging it may require adjustments. The registry is currently operating in a test mode.