Russian lawmakers on Monday introduced a bill that would ban citizens of “unfriendly” countries from adopting children in Russia at a time when tensions between the West and Moscow are at their highest, AFP reported.
The proposal, which appeared on the website of the Duma, the lower house of parliament, aims to expand the scope of a 2012 law that prohibits Americans from adopting Russian children to apply to citizens of countries that engage in “unfriendly” actions against Russia. .
In response to sanctions imposed to punish its military offensive in Ukraine, the Russian government expanded its list of “unfriendly countries.”
The list currently includes the United States, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Taiwan and all members of the European Union.
To enter into force, the bill must pass three readings in the lower house of parliament, then the Federation Council, the upper house, and then be signed by President Vladimir Putin, with the last two stages usually a formality.
In 2012, Moscow banned the adoption of Russian children by Americans in response to Washington’s sanctions against high-ranking officials involved in the 2009 death in Russia of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
This law led to a decrease in the number of adoptions. According to the state news agency TASS, in 2019, foreigners adopted 240 Russian children against 2,604 in 2012.
Follow the latest events of the 159th day of the war in Ukraine LIVETEXT on HOTNEWS.RO.
Source: Hot News RU
James Springer is a renowned author and opinion writer, known for his bold and thought-provoking articles on a wide range of topics. He currently works as a writer at 247 news reel, where he uses his unique voice and sharp wit to offer fresh perspectives on current events. His articles are widely read and shared and has earned him a reputation as a talented and insightful writer.