Journalist Valery Potashov, whose premises were searched as part of his investigation into participation in the activities of an 'undesirable' organization, was accused of distributing 'foreign agent' materials and collaborating with 'undesirable' organizations, as well as holding an anti-war stance. According to the department, he also 'spread false information about the decisions made by the public authorities of the Russian Federation and their policies.'
The Ministry of Justice has the same claims against the creator of the 'Bolotnoye Delo' website, activist Pavel Yelizarov, and it is additionally noted that he resides outside of Russia.
Journalist Darya Litvishko, in addition to interacting with 'foreign agents' and spreading 'false information' about Russian authorities, 'formed a negative image' of the Russian army.
Co-founder of the 'Free Yakutia' foundation Raisa Zubareva, according to the Ministry of Justice, 'called for actions that could lead to a violation of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation,' and also spoke out against the war in Ukraine.
St. Petersburg blogger Nikolai Rosov discredited Russian authorities, made anti-war statements, and collaborated with 'foreign agents.'
The public movement for finding and bringing home Russian military personnel 'Our Exit' gathered all possible claims from the Ministry of Justice, ranging from 'forming a negative image' of the Russian army to collaborating with '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 has more than a thousand 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 lead to criminal liability. By the end of 2024, 170 people received two fines each under the administrative article on violating the order of 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 deposited into a special ruble account, which can only be accessed after the status of 'foreign agent' is removed.