Registration of Foreign Agents Involving Journalists and Civil Groups
A list of individuals and organizations now labeled as foreign agents has been published by the Russian Ministry of Justice. The register includes journalist Khristo Grozev, politician Elvira Vikhareva, activist Natalya Sevets-Yermolina, as well as the autonomous nonprofit organization Military School and the Advocatskaya Street journalism project. The ministry posted the information on its official site.
According to the ministry, Khristo Grozev disseminated information about public authorities’ decisions and policies that was deemed false, and he participated in the creation of materials considered undesirable by foreign agents and foreign non-governmental organizations in Russia.
Concerning Natalya Sevets-Yermolina, the ministry noted that she spoke in support of Ukraine and promoted a negative view of military service. Elvira Vikhareva, with backing from foreign sources, allegedly distributed materials produced by foreign agents that contained negative information about Russian state officials.
Regarding Military School, the ministry stated that it spreads false information about the decisions and policies of public authorities, opposes the special military operation, and distributes materials from foreign agents.
Advocatskaya Street is accused by foreign agents of creating and disseminating materials that present a negative image of the Russian Federation and its legislation.
Earlier, Vasily Piskarev, who heads the foreign intervention investigation commission in the lower chamber of parliament, stated in the State Duma that amendments tightening the foreign agents law had been supplied and discussed.
These developments reflect ongoing measures by Russian authorities to monitor and regulate activities linked to foreign associations and information campaigns perceived as aimed at influencing domestic policy and public opinion.