Russian authorities on Friday declared a former presidential candidate, a prominent human rights lawyer and several others as “foreign agents,” the latest step in a brutal crackdown on dissent in Russia that has reached new heights since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.
Russia introduced the label in 2012, following massive anti-government protests that authorities claimed were fueled by foreign influence. It has since been used to target non-governmental organizations, news media and individual Kremlin critics.
The designation entails additional government oversight and is intended to discredit the individuals named.
Ekaterina Duntsovaa former regional lawmaker who tried to run against President Vladimir Putin in the 2024 elections but was ultimately barred was among those designated Friday.
Maria Litvinovich, advocate for prisoners’ rights; the Way Home movement campaigning for the return of mobilized Russian soldiers from Ukraine and its active member Maria Andreyeva, as well as two critical news sources were also mentioned.
The Kremlin’s campaign of repression reached new heights following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow effectively criminalized any criticism of the war, targeting not only prominent opposition figures who ultimately received draconian prison sentences, but anyone who opposed it pronounced. .
Duntsova has campaigned for peace in Ukraine, and Litvinovich has also been vocal in her anti-war stance. Andreyeva and the Way Home have organized several protests in Moscow, demanding that the reservists called up for the 2022 “partial mobilization” be dismissed and replaced with contract soldiers.
