Russia Seeks Harsher Penalties for 'Foreign Agents'

Russia's Ministry of Justice proposes to significantly increase penalties for those designated as 'foreign agents'. Deputy Minister Oleg Sviridoyenko stated at the St. Petersburg Legal Forum that the current fines, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles, are insufficient. He advocates for introducing criminal liability even for the first offense. "Current fines are not enough, and criminal liability should be introduced for the first violation," said Sviridoyenko. The Ministry's registry currently lists 990 entities, including 579 individuals, many of whom live outside Russia. However, the proposed changes would allow for 'in absentia' convictions. This proposal follows previous State Duma initiatives that restricted foreign agents' activities and financial resources, including prohibiting educational activities and controlling income from intellectual labor, rent, deposits, and dividends. These measures, according to State Duma Committee Chairman Vasily Piskarev, aim to protect Russia's sovereignty. The video underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment of foreign agents in Russia and the potential impact on individuals both within and outside the country.