In Russia's Chelyabinsk region, two brothers "from a neighboring country" were stripped of their Russian citizenship for evading military registration, reports the press service of the Russian Internal Affairs Ministry’s Main Directorate for the region.
The department also noted that when applying for Russian citizenship, “the young men provided deliberately false information to avoid military duty.” They are required to leave the country, or they will face deportation.
Elena Dovbenko, the head of the migration department at the Russian Internal Affairs Ministry’s Chelyabinsk Main Directorate, said this decision had set a precedent.
Amendments to the law “On citizenship of the Russian Federation,” effective from October, enable authorities to strip citizenship for crimes outlined in approximately 60 articles of Russia’s Criminal Code. These primarily include serious offenses, but also extend to convictions under political articles, such as for “spreading fakes” and “discrediting the army.”
Sign up for Meduza’s daily newsletter
A digest of Russia’s investigative reports and news analysis. If it matters, we summarize it.
Meduza survived 2024 thanks to its readers!
Let’s stick together for 2025.
The world is at a crossroads today, and quality journalism will help shape the decades to come. Real stories must be told at any cost. Please support Meduza by signing up for a recurring donation.