Russian "Agent Law" Follows Exiles: Harsher Penalties Await Russian-Dissident Expats
Russia strengthening the "spy law"
Get ready for some tough love from Mother Russia, even if you're miles away! The Russian parliament has beefed up the "Agent Law," and those exiled for being labeled "foreign agents" will now face consequences abroad. Yes, you heard that right - the Russian bear has long arms!
According to the Russian news agency Interfax, around 40% of these "foreign agents" have skedaddled, but fear not, they'll still feel the sting of the law, said Vasily Piskaryov, the head of the security committee. He shared this news on Telegram, adding that no one should think that living in exile protects you from punishment.
The revised law states that all earnings made by these foreign agents in Russia, whether through fees or selling property, will be chucked into special accounts. The Ministry of Justice needs to remove you from the blacklist before you can get your hands on the dough.
What's the penalty, you ask? Well, it's not a walk in the park. Citizens can now expect a whopping 30,000 to 50,000 rubles (approximately 330 to 550 euros) fine, compared to the previous 10,000 to 30,000 rubles. Officials and legal entities, on the other hand, will face fines of up to 300,000 (approximately 3,330 euros) and 500,000 rubles (approximately 5,550 euros), respectively.
But what does it mean to be a "foreign agent"? It's a label that creates mistrust and makes work in Russia a growling nightmare. Over a thousand individuals and organizations, including Kremlin critics and humanitarian organizations like Doctors Without Borders, are already on the Ministry of Justice's registry. Moscow has even broadened the criteria for who can be labeled a "foreign agent."
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
[1] Moscow's efforts to label journalists and organizations as "foreign agents" can lead to reputational damage and limitations on interactions with Russian entities or contacts.
[4] The stigma associated with being labeled a "foreign agent" can make it difficult for affected individuals and organizations to maintain credibility and operate effectively, both within Russia and internationally.
- The community policy of the Russian government, in regards to labeling individuals and organizations as "foreign agents," may result in reputational damage and restrictions in interactions with Russian entities or contacts.
- Amendments to the "Agent Law" in Russia, affecting dissident expats, fall under the category of policy-and-legislation and can be considered a political move, as it impacts general news and employment policies, particularly for those labeled as "foreign agents."
