Russia draws up more restrictions for ‘foreign agents’

(Reuters) – Russian lawmakers mentioned on Thursday they deliberate to submit amendments to a regulation on “international brokers” which might bar journalists and different folks designated as such from investing in strategic industries and dealing with kids.

The amendments, which have to be authorised by the parliament and signed by President Vladimir Putin earlier than they develop into regulation, would additionally bar international brokers – folks or organisations receiving international funding to have interaction in what the authorities say is political exercise – from receiving monetary help from the state.

It could successfully bar them from investing within the defence and safety industries, together with in aviation, and from instructing or participating in instructional actions involving minors.

The time period “international agent” carries unfavorable Soviet-era connotations and topics these listed to stringent monetary reporting necessities. It additionally obliges them to preface something they publish with a disclaimer on their standing.

Critics say the label is designed to stifle dissent.

Lawmaker Vasily Piskaryov, chairman of a parliamentary fee investigating international meddling in Russia’s inside affairs, mentioned the amendments would carry current state lists of “international brokers” underneath a single registry.

“The aim of a (single) registry is to tell the general public concerning the sources of international interference within the inside political affairs of the nation,” Piskaryov mentioned.

He mentioned that the registry would comprise details about international brokers themselves and people affiliated with them.

Lawmakers plan to submit the amendments to the decrease home of parliament, or the Duma, subsequent week, the Interfax information company quoted Piskaryov as saying.

In separate feedback, Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko mentioned the ministry needed to melt the requirement for international brokers to mark their content material on social media with a disclaimer.

He mentioned the disclaimer ought to solely be used on social media posts associated to international brokers’ skilled actions, RIA information company reported.

(Reporting by Reuters; enhancing by Grant McCool)