The educational and enlightening project 'University Transparency Laboratory' investigates corruption in Russian universities and also conducts training and lectures for students on transparency research and corruption risks in universities. The Ministry of Justice believes that in this way the project participated in the creation and dissemination of 'foreign agent' materials, spread 'unreliable information' about decisions made by public authorities. Moreover, the agency claims that the creators of the project are organizations 'undesirable' in Russia.
All individuals from this Friday's 'foreign agents' list opposed the war in Ukraine, 'formed a negative image of the Russian Armed Forces,' and reside outside of Russia, which the Ministry of Justice also considers a sign of a 'foreign agent.'
Journalist Victoria Ivleva-York called for military assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and spread 'unreliable information' about the Russian authorities.
Lawyer Nikolai Polozov called for support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and 'terrorist organizations,' furthermore, according to the Ministry of Justice, he is a 'representative' of organizations recognized as 'undesirable' in Russia.
Blogger Islam Belokiev, among other things, participated in 'anti-Russian actions' abroad.
The unified registry of 'foreign agents' has been maintained since December 1, 2022, and currently contains 900 entries. 'Foreign agents' must report their income, indicate labeling when publishing any material or post. In case of non-compliance with these requirements, 'foreign agents' are subject to administrative liability, and repeated administrative fines may lead to criminal liability.
The State Duma passed a law prohibiting the placement of advertisements with 'foreign agents,' and 'foreign agents' themselves are prohibited from participating in elections. This week, a law was passed according to which all income of 'foreign agents' in Russia, including the sale and rental of real estate, will be deposited into a special ruble account, which can only be accessed after the removal of the 'foreign agent' status.