The State Duma allowed Putin to use the army to protect Russians abroad

On Wednesday, May 13, the State Duma adopted in the second and third readings a law that allows the president to use the army to protect Russian citizens from persecution abroad.

The law may be applied in the event of arrest, detention, criminal or other prosecution of Russian citizens based on decisions of foreign or international bodies whose competence the Russian Federation does not recognize. In addition, government authorities of the Russian Federation will be obliged to take the necessary measures to protect such citizens within the framework of their powers.

This law amends the federal laws “On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” and “On Defense”. The explanatory note states that the law is aimed at strengthening the protection of Russian citizens from unlawful actions of foreign states.