The Russian parliament passed a law on Monday that prohibits “foreign” agents from running for any office in the country. This is the latest in a string of restrictions tightened by the Kremlin against those it accuses of working to the benefit of Western governments.
Since Russia’s introduction of the legislation in 2012, “hundreds of cultural figures, journalists and businesspeople as well as news organizations and organizations have been branded as ‘foreign agent’, which has negative connotations from the Soviet era. The Moscow Times published an article that stated, “Foreign agents are subject to strict self-disclosure requirements and auditing requirements.”
The Russian State Duma, the lower house of parliament, voted unanimously to approve amendments that prohibit “foreign agents”, as well as those who represent candidates or act as election observers, from participating in federal, regional, and local elections.
The bill is now sent to the upper house of Russia’s Federation Council. After that, it must be signed by President Vladimir Putin to become law.
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