Strengthening legislative control, restrictions on freedoms

After the announcement of mobilization, the legislation was supplemented - “martial law” was introduced, new articles on criminal liability for “looting” and surrender, and the powers of law enforcement agencies were expanded. The possibilities of conscription have also expanded: the authorities allowed to mobilize even people with previous convictions for serious crimes. Legislative changes coincided with an intensification of the fight against independent media, NGOs, and criticism of the authorities. As a result, 2022 was a year when the guarantee of civil rights and freedoms was significantly weakened: for many Russians this meant fear, self-censorship and restrictions on previous freedoms.