The security agency of Russia, the Federal Security Service, has moved to revoke the citizenship of three South Ossetian legislators, arguing that their actions threaten national security. This information was reported by Vedomosti.
The targeted parliamentarians are David Sanakoev, Garry Muldarov, and Dzambolat Medoev, who sit with the For Justice faction. According to the FSB, these deputies contributed to a heightened military and political tension near Russia’s borders. The specific measures or activities that the intelligence service claims to have considered are not detailed in the available statements. (Source: Vedomosti)
In response, the South Ossetian deputies filed an appeal with the Vladikavkaz court. Their goal is to obtain clarification on the grounds cited by the FSB and to challenge the decision through the proper legal channels. (Source: Vedomosti)
In Russia, the practice of revoking citizenship for naturalized residents has existed since 2017. Initially, grounds were limited to extremist crimes or acts of terrorism. In April 2023, President Vladimir Putin signed a law titled On Citizenship of the Russian Federation, which broadened the basis for loss of citizenship. The updated legislation ties loss of citizenship to a wide array of offenses, including disseminating false information about the Armed Forces, discrediting the military, and actions that threaten national security. The statute enumerates a detailed list of criminal provisions that can trigger such measures. (Source: Vedomosti)
There has been renewed legislative consideration in the State Duma about increasing the compulsory military service age for naturalized citizens, with proposals previously floated to raise it to 50 years. (Source: Vedomosti)