Russia’s 'Foreign Agent' Law: A Blunt Instrument To Silence Dissent

Russia’s “foreign agent” law might mean the end of freedom of expression in the country. An increasing number of independent media outlets have found themselves on the list. They have a choice between including an intrusive label in their content, or paying a hefty fine.

But it’s not just media organizations. It’s also anyone who is, according to the Kremlin, involved in “political activity”: NGOs, civil society, election monitors, human rights organizations.

And the latest blow came in September 2021. RFE/RL’s Russia correspondent Mike Eckel explains everything you need to know about “foreign agents” in Russia.

#russianews

00:00-00:47 Intro
00:47-01:44 How It All Started
01:44-02:56 A Law Targeting NGOs
02:56-05:26 The End Of Free Press
05:26-07:15 Could It Get Any Worse? Yes!
07:15-09:18 The End Of Freedom Of Expression, Period