The Moscow Meshchansky District Court has issued an administrative fine against Russian journalist and blogger Ilya Varlamov, who is listed as a foreign agent in Russia, for breaching the requirements governing foreign agent activity. This information was conveyed by the press service of the Moscow courts of general jurisdiction via their Telegram channel.
According to the report, Varlamov was ordered to pay a fine of 50,000 rubles for the violation in question.
Previously, in August, he faced a separate fine of 30,000 rubles for the same reason. The sequence of penalties underscores the ongoing scrutiny applied to individuals labeled as foreign agents by the authorities.
Varlamov’s status as a foreign agent was publicly acknowledged on March 23. The Ministry of Justice indicated that the journalist disseminated broadcasts linked to foreign agents, including Dozhd TV, an organization that has been added to the foreign agents list, and Sergei Smirnov, the editor-in-chief of Mediazona, who is likewise identified as a foreign agent. Additionally, the ministry noted evidence suggesting foreign sources supported Varlamov’s activities. These disclosures reflect the broader framework in which media figures are monitored under Russia’s foreign agent regulations.
As of now, the journalist resides outside Russia, continuing his activities from abroad. The case adds to a pattern of enforcement actions against individuals connected with outlets and personalities designated as foreign agents by the state authorities.
Earlier discussions in the State Duma touched on restricting loans and financial support to foreign agents, indicating that legislative measures were being considered to tighten controls on foreign-influenced entities and personnel. This context helps explain the government’s approach to enforcement and oversight in cases involving journalists and independent media figures who operate under foreign agent status.