Film critic Ekaterina Barabash, who was fired from 'Interfax' in 2016 for criticizing the authorities on social media, has now been declared a 'foreign agent' for spreading 'unreliable information' about decisions made by the Russian authorities. The defendant in the criminal case on military 'fakes' was also charged with 'forming a negative image' of the Russian army and an anti-war stance. In addition, according to the Ministry of Justice, Barabash helped produce and distribute 'foreign agent' materials and collaborated with foreign media.
TV host Alexey Lushnikov and musician Svyatoslav Tolstoy were also accused of spreading 'unreliable information' about the authorities and the army and making anti-war statements. Moreover, they distributed 'foreign agent' materials. All these standard grounds for inclusion in the list are also indicated for streamer Alexey Gubanov (Jesus AVGN), who additionally 'discredited' the Russian electoral system.
The social journalism project 'Glasna' is aimed at overcoming stereotypes and promoting gender equality in Russian society. As stated on the Ministry of Justice's website, the publication participated in the production of 'foreign agent' and 'undesirable' organization materials, 'propagated LGBT relationships', spread 'unreliable information' about the authorities and the army, and opposed the war in Ukraine.
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 produced by a 'foreign agent'. Fines are provided for evading the duties of a 'foreign agent', and repeated violations of the legislation result in criminal liability. By the end of 2024, 170 people received two fines under the administrative article on violating the order of 'foreign agent' activities. The State Duma passed a law prohibiting advertising with 'foreign agents', and 'foreign agents' themselves were 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.