Political scientist and head of the 'Stop Russian Terror' foundation German Obukhov, who was sentenced in 1981 to four years in prison and two years in exile for anti-Soviet propaganda and agitation, has now been accused by the Russian Ministry of Justice of spreading 'unreliable information' about the activities of government bodies and the decisions they make. According to the agency, his anti-war statements also 'formed a negative image of the Russian Armed Forces.' His leadership of a foreign foundation and residence outside of Russia were additional arguments for inclusion in the registry.
Podcaster Andrey Aksenov, author of 'Empire Sunset' and 'Time and Money,' also spread 'unreliable information' about events in Russia and 'formed' a negative image of the Russian army.
Writer, poet, and journalist Alla Bossart, in addition to spreading information that the Ministry of Justice considers 'unreliable' and criticizing the Russian army, also disseminated materials of 'foreign agents' to an 'unlimited audience.'
The unified registry of 'foreign agents' has been maintained since December 1, 2022, and includes individuals, registered and unregistered non-commercial and non-governmental organizations. The registry contains more than 950 entries.
'Foreign agents' are required to publish texts and messages with a notification that they are produced 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 for violating the order of activity of a 'foreign agent.'
The State Duma passed a law prohibiting the placement of advertisements with 'foreign agents,' and 'foreign agents' themselves are banned from participating in elections. Also, 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 'foreign agent' status is removed.