Russian MPs took aim at the income of the persons declared to be foreign agents, reported France Press.
In the lower house of the Russian parliament, a law was voted on the first reading, which prohibits persons declared as foreign agents from spending in Russia their income from cultural or intellectual activities.
In Russia, those natural and legal persons who are declared foreign agents and who are largely critics of the government are already subject to severe administrative restrictions. If they do not obey them, they can be fined and even sent to prison.
According to the new legislative text, which must be approved in second and third reading in the lower house of parliament before being voted on in the upper house, persons declared as foreign agents will now have the obligation to open a special bank account in which they will be transferred in particular their remuneration for intellectual activities.
The measure will be applied in particular to dozens of artists and writers who were declared foreign agents and most of whom live outside Russia.
“Foreign agents will not be able to enrich themselves to the detriment of the country and its citizens,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma (lower house of parliament).
“These measures that have been taken are aimed at stopping the enrichment of traitors,” he added.
There are 493 people on the list of foreign agents, including the writers Lyudmila Ulitska and Boris Akunin, as well as journalists and leading opposition figures, BTA writes.
The Foreign Agents Act was passed in 2012. and was gradually tightened and its scope expanded, particularly after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
What are the potential consequences for individuals labeled as foreign agents under Russia’s new law?
Interview: An Insight into Russia’s Foreign Agent Law
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Julia Petrovna, a political analyst and expert on Russian legislation and civil liberties. We’re diving into a recent law passed in the Russian parliament regarding individuals classified as ‘foreign agents.’ Dr. Petrovna, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Julia Petrovna (JP): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss such an important issue.
TNE: Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain what this new law entails and its implications for those labeled as foreign agents in Russia?
JP: Absolutely. This new legislation prohibits individuals classified as foreign agents from using income derived from cultural or intellectual activities within Russia. Essentially, the government is targeting critics of the regime, who often rely on these avenues for work and expression, thereby stifling dissent and limiting their financial sustainability.
TNE: It sounds quite draconian. Who exactly falls under this category of ‘foreign agents’?
JP: The designation is primarily aimed at individuals and entities that are perceived to be receiving foreign funding or that the government accuses of engaging in political activities against the Russian state. This label has been widely applied to journalists, activists, and various NGOs that challenge the current administration.
TNE: There must be significant consequences for those affected. Can you elaborate on how this impacts the cultural and intellectual landscape in Russia?
JP: Most definitely. This law sends a chilling message to anyone involved in cultural production, intellectual discourse, or the arts. Many creators may choose to self-censor their work or withdraw from public life altogether for fear of repercussions. It diminishes the space for diverse voices, leading to a more homogenized cultural narrative that aligns with government propaganda.
TNE: Indeed, that sounds like a concerning trajectory. Given the increasing authoritarian measures, how do you foresee the global community reacting to these developments?
JP: The international community has been critical of Russia’s moves to restrict freedoms. However, responses have often been limited to sanctions and verbal condemnation. To create real change, there needs to be a concerted effort to support those labeled as foreign agents, such as providing financial aid, asylum options, and highlighting their work on global platforms.
TNE: What can local activists and the communities affected do in response to this legislation?
JP: Solidarity is crucial. Building networks of support among those labeled as foreign agents and the broader civil society can bolster resilience. Engaging with international allies and attracting media attention to their plight can also help. They must continue to advocate for freedom of expression and seek legal challenges to unjust laws like this.
TNE: As this situation unfolds, what does the future look like for freedom of speech and civil rights in Russia?
JP: The outlook remains bleak without significant shifts in domestic political dynamics or pressure from the international community. However, history indicates that oppressive regimes often face resistance. While the current trajectory is troubling, there is always hope for change driven by the courage of individuals and communities who refuse to remain silent.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Petrovna, for sharing such valuable insights on this important issue. We appreciate your expertise.
JP: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep these discussions alive.
TNE: And thank you, readers, for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on critical global issues.