Crimean Politicians Plan to Ban Foreigners From Sevastopol

July 27, 2014

Lawmakers in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine earlier this year, are seeking a presidential decree to prohibit foreigners from entering the region's largest city, Sevastopol, a popular Black Sea tourist destination.

While Crimea was part of Ukraine, the region's population was known to swell two to three times at the height of the summer tourist season, Communist faction leader Vasily Parkhomenko told the Interfax news agency on Saturday.

But, Parkhomenko added, the region isn't currently ready for an influx of tourists. "This is a matter of safety. The city is filled with military sites … so under the current conditions there needs to be a certain vigilance."

Representatives of the Communist and "Patriots of Russia" parties submitted to the region's main legislature a draft of an address to President Vladimir Putin that, if approved, would prevent foreigners, Russian citizens with criminal records, and even homeless people from entering the city.

The draft will be officially considered by the regional legislature on Thursday, Parkhomenko said.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue