Russia broadens foreign agent definition

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 02 Jan 2021 by Alex Teddy

On December 30 Putin approved a law that labels any politically engaged person or body a foreign agent if they receive funds from abroad. Dissidents have said this is a crackdown on freedom of expression. Media organizations and civic activist associations have often fallen foul of it. In 2012 the Foreign Agent Act was passed. However, its scope has not been expanded very considerably. Individuals who receive funding from abroad will be regarded as foreign agents if they collect information on the military or technology. Foreign agents must declare their activities and are subject to extensive audits. Any media statement they make must mention that they are foreign agents.The law comes into force on January 9 2021.

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