Foreign agent

In Russian political jargon, the term "foreign agent" refers to individuals or organizations that receive foreign funding and engage in political activities in Russia. The procedure for declaring a person or organization a “foreign agent” is regulated by Russian law. Being put on the list of “foreign agents” implies serious legal and practical consequences for both individuals or organizations.

The “foreign agents law” was first introduced in 2012. It requires the NGOs that receive foreign funding and carry out political activities to register as “foreign agents” with the Ministry of Justice. Over time the law has been expanded, allowing the Ministry of Justice to declare “foreign agents” not only NGOs but also media, individuals and non-registered entities.

The “political activity” was given a rather vague definition in the law, which has been one of the major points of criticism raised by international human rights organizations. The definition includes any activity aimed at influencing public opinion, government policy or political processes in Russia. In practice, this can be any activity related to civic education, human rights advocacy, journalism, elections, conducting public opinion surveys, or being an opinion leader or influencer. Amendments adopted in May 2024 allowed to include in the register of “foreign agents” persons who do not even receive foreign funding but are simply “under foreign influence” in the opinion of the authorities.

Once designated as a foreign agent, the individual or organization must comply with stringent reporting requirements, including regular financial disclosures and labeling all publications with the "foreign agent" disclaimer. The “foreign agent” status entails non-ability to receive state funding or being employed in state institutions (which affected some university professors, who, after being declared “foreign agents” lost their positions). Non-compliance results in administrative fines and, potentially, inability to continue operations.

The amendments of July 2024 banned “foreign agents” from participating in elections – individuals and organizations labeled as foreign agents are now prohibited from running for office, getting registered as candidates, taking any part in election campaigns and, generally, engaging in any election-related activities.

The Venice Commission and the European Court of Human Rights have repeatedly published legal opinions on the incompatibility of the “foreign agents law” with international human rights standards and called on Russia to repeal the law. Observers argue that the law on “foreign agents” stifles political pluralism, restricts freedom of speech and association, and undermines democratic processes by marginalizing independent voices and limiting the role of civil society in politics.