MOSCOW, March 27 (RIA Novosti) – Russian authorities must be able to keep track of those Russians who have citizenship of other countries, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
“We have the right and must know who lives in Russia and what activities they are involved in,” Putin told lawmakers from the upper house of parliament, the Federation Council.
Russian lawmakers are considering draft legislation that would oblige citizens to inform the authorities about having dual or multiple citizenships. Concealing this fact would draw punishment on criminal charges.
Putin said the punishment for concealing other citizenships is necessary, but “should not be excessive.”