Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that grants law enforcement agencies the authority to freeze bank accounts without needing court orders. This development has raised significant concerns among legal experts, who warn that the law’s broad scope and lack of clarity may lead to abuses of power. The new legislation is part of a broader trend of increasing state control over financial institutions, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to tighten its grip on the economy.
The law, which comes into effect immediately, allows police to freeze accounts in response to alleged financial crimes, including money laundering and corruption. Legal analysts have pointed out that the absence of court oversight could enable authorities to target individuals or organizations without proper legal justification. This has raised fears of arbitrary use of the law, particularly in cases where the government may wish to suppress dissent or investigate political opponents.
Human rights organizations have also expressed alarm, warning that the measure could undermine the rule of law and infringe on the rights of citizens. While the government has defended the law as necessary to combat financial crime, critics argue that the potential for abuse is too great. The law is expected to face legal challenges, with opposition groups likely to challenge its constitutionality in the coming months.