Russia’s Justice Ministry on Friday designated the independent online news outlet Novaya Gazeta as a “foreign agent.”
Authorities claimed Novaya Gazeta publicly opposed the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, spread “false information” about elections and collaborated with other “foreign agents.”
Hundreds of cultural figures, journalists, businesspeople, as well as news outlets and organizations, have been branded “foreign agents” since Russia introduced the label in 2012.
Russia applies the designation to individuals it views as enemies of the state. Those branded as “foreign agents” are required to include a lengthy disclaimer in all of their public appearances and statements, including posts on social media.
Authorities also expanded the registry of persons “affiliated with foreign agents” by adding more than 100 individuals connected to Novaya Gazeta. The list reportedly includes Yabloko party chairman Nikolai Rybakov.
