Russia restricts finances, speech, and online activity

President Putin signed a law allowing police to block citizens' bank accounts without a court order. This significantly expands police powers over financial assets. The new legislation also enables the designation of any group as "extremist" if one member is convicted of organizing or participating in an extremist community. Additionally, 354 new laws restrict online extremism searches and VPN advertising. Other prohibitions include depicting temples without crosses, showing films that discredit traditional values, and aiding international decisions against Russia. These measures aim to steer citizens' behavior in a direction favored by the authorities.