RUSSIA: Russian lawmakers passed a new bill on Tuesday that bans “foreign agents” from earning money through the sale of property or receiving royalty payments for creative works, as part of ongoing efforts to target exiled critics of the government, labeling them as traitors and enemies of the state.
Under the new legislation, individuals classified as “foreign agents” and earning income from assets in Russia will be required to use special ruble accounts, which they can only access once their “foreign agent” status is revoked. This move effectively restricts these individuals’ ability to access funds generated through property sales, royalties, or other income sources.
“Those who betrayed our country will not enrich themselves at the expense of its citizens,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma, in a Telegram post.
The Duma voted unanimously in favor of the bill during its second and third readings, which requires the use of special ruble accounts for the sale or rental of property, vehicles, as well as for income from interest, dividends, and other assets linked to “foreign agents.” The bill also extends to earnings from intellectual activities, such as branding, scientific works, literature, art, performances, and media. Volodin described these “foreign agents” as “scoundrels, traitors, and hirelings” who use their Russian-based earnings to support the Ukrainian military.
The bill is now set for a final vote in the Federation Council before being sent to President Vladimir Putin for approval. A total of 429 out of 450 Duma members are listed as co-authors of the bill.
Since the introduction of the “foreign agent” law in 2012, hundreds of journalists, cultural figures, businesspeople, and media outlets have been branded as “foreign agents,” a label that carries negative historical connotations from the Soviet era. The Moscow Times was added to the registry last year.
Russian authorities have continued to tighten restrictions on “foreign agents” this year, banning them from advertising or running for political office. Independent media outlets have reported that criminal cases against “foreign agents” in Russia more than doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year.
