According to RT, a senior official of the Russian Ministry of Justice recently stated that even returning to space could be classified as "foreign agents" if they carry out acts against Russia.
The speech was given within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum. Petersburg on May 19, in the context of Russia's expansion of laws related to "foreign affairs".
Even if an animal from another planet landed and began taking action against our country, it would be considered a foreign agent, said Russian Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko. He made this assessment when commenting on the latest amendments to the law, which was passed in 2012 and has been continuously amended.
Under the new law, which will take effect from 2 February after being signed by President Vladimir Putin, any individual or organization that supports foreign organizations considered hostile by Russia can be labeled as a foreign special service.
Those who participate in or sponsor military or technical information collection activities - which could threaten Russia's national security if they are caught by foreign hands - are also subject to the law.
The law also adds new criminal penalties. The act of calling for sanctions for profit can be punished with up to 5 years in prison. Meanwhile, the act of discrediting the Russian military could be punished with up to 7 years in prison and property confiscation.
The people listed as foreign agents are not banned from working in Russia, but must comply with many strict legal obligations. They must clearly state this title in all publications, periodically submit detailed financial reports to the Ministry of Justice and make funding sources transparent.
From 2022, individuals and organizations impersonating "foreign agents" are prohibited from holding public positions, participating in educational activities and receiving money from the state budget. Last year, Russia also banned advertising on platforms related to entities labelled with this and prevented them from participating in elections at all levels.
Deputy Minister Sviridenko affirmed that the expansion of the law is Moscow's reaction to increasing pressure from the West. The law was developed by Russia based on similar US laws, and is increasingly used in the context of escalating geopolitical tensions.
