According to the Ministry of Justice, former Russian Foreign Minister from 1990–1996 Andrey Kozyrev 'spread false information about the decisions made by the public authorities of the Russian Federation and their policies, as well as false information aimed at creating a negative image of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation'. In addition to criticizing the Russian authorities and anti-war speeches, he was accused of interacting with foreign platforms and living outside the Russian Federation.
Publicist, philologist, and translator Nikolai Epple was included in the registry for his anti-war stance and spreading 'false information' about the actions of the authorities and the army of Russia. He also participated in the creation and dissemination of messages and materials of 'foreign agents' and 'undesirable' organizations for an unlimited audience.
For the same reasons, human rights activist Anna Karetnikova was included in the 'foreign agents' registry, adding that she is an employee of a project that is already a 'foreign agent'.
According to the Ministry of Justice, Ukrainian journalist Darya Schastlivaya 'called for actions, the results of which could lead to a violation of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation'. She also 'created a negative image' of the Russian army and 'discredited' the policies of the Russian authorities.
The socio-political movement 'Udmurtia Against Corruption', which runs a telegram channel of the same name with 10,000 subscribers, 'spread false information', creating a 'negative image of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation', opposing the war in Ukraine. The movement was also accused of interacting with 'foreign agents' and undesirable organizations.
The unified registry of 'foreign agents' has been maintained since December 1, 2022, and includes individuals, registered and unregistered non-profit and non-governmental organizations. The registry contains over 970 entries.
'Foreign agents' are required to publish texts and messages with a notification that they are made by a 'foreign agent'. Fines are imposed for evading the duties of a 'foreign agent', and repeated violations of the law result in criminal liability. By the end of 2024, 170 people received two fines under the administrative article on violating the procedure for the activities of a 'foreign agent'. The State Duma passed a law prohibiting advertising with 'foreign agents', and 'foreign agents' themselves are prohibited from participating in elections. Also, all income of 'foreign agents' in Russia, including the sale and rental of real estate, will be credited to a special ruble account, which can only be accessed after the status of 'foreign agent' is removed.
Photo: Freedom Letters