The NGO Human Right Watch on Thursday called for the repeal of a new Russian law that «drastically» expands legislation on «foreign agents,» calling the measure a «new attack on freedom of expression.»
«For more than a decade, Russian authorities have used ‘foreign agent’ laws to defame and punish independent voices,» said HRW’s deputy Europe and Central Asia director Rachel Denber.
«This new tool in the government’s already crowded toolbox makes it even easier to threaten critics, impose severe restrictions on their legitimate activities, and even ban them. It makes thoughtful public discussion about Russia’s past, present and future simply impossible,» she added.
The ‘foreign agent’ designation remains extrajudicial, with no possibility of challenging it in court, Human Right Watch charges.
«This new law is an unbridled attack on Russia’s civil society aimed at muzzling any public criticism of state policies. It should be scrapped,» Denber said.
The law was passed in July 2022, although it has come into force on December 1. Moscow has expanded the definition of a foreign agent to allow for the punishment of those who engage in civic activism or the expression of political opinions «under foreign influence.»
The rule includes prohibitions on joining the civil service, participating in election commissions, acting in an advisory capacity in environmental impact assessments, or donating to election campaigns.
In addition, the person remains «affiliated» for up to two years after the break with the foreign agent, even if the «affiliation» began prior to entry into force.
