The Kremlin has launched a new crackdown on dissent and, according to some observers, could further tighten its already tight censorship of the conflict in Ukraine by banning the discussion of even “non-secret” military issues.
Starting today, it will be even easier to attack people and organizations uncomfortable with power. In fact, under a new law, it can designate any person or entity it generally considers “under foreign influence” as a “foreign agent.” In order to blacklist NGOs, journalists and opponents, the Russian authorities no longer need to prove that those targeted received funding from abroad (possibly minimal sums, sometimes obtained without their knowledge ). The “political activity” requirement remains in place, but prosecutors now only have to report unspecified activity they believe “contradicts national interests” and it’s game over.
But it’s not over yet. According to the Moscow Times, as of today, the Russian government can brand even those who publicly discuss “non-secret” military issues the label “foreign agent” (very similar to “spy”): from the composition of the army to morale of troops, from weapons to crimes committed by military personnel in war. The Moscow Times relies on a new 60-point order from the Russian Secret Service (FSB) on what the Moscow government describes as information that “may be used by foreign states, organizations and citizens against the security of Russia.” Another turn on the screw, which according to several activists actually aims to not sufficiently inform the public. However, not everyone agrees on the application of the new rule: According to Sever.Realii, some lawyers believe that the 60 points only affect members of the Russian security services and therefore do not restrict public discussion of non-secret topics. We will see.
Certainly, the suppression of dissent in Russia is a fact, as is the gag law passed in the early weeks of the so-called “military special operation,” which provides for up to 15 years in prison for disseminating information about the army that should be done by the authorities classified as “false”. The law on “foreign agents” has also been used by the Kremlin against NGOs, independent media and opponents for years, and it is not for nothing that the European Court of Human Rights rejected it. Inclusion on the “foreign agent” list requires strict administrative controls and obliges you to present yourself with this label, which has effectively forced several organizations to close their doors: both because it makes work significantly more difficult and because it can deter advertisers advertisers.
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