In a move that extends Russia's crackdown on dissent, the Justice Ministry on November 8 added several high-profile journalists and entities to its controversial registry of "foreign agents."
The new entries include journalist Dmitry Treshchanin from the independent outlet Mediazona, Chechen opposition blogger Tumso Abdurahmanov, and stand-up comedian Denis Alesin (aka Denis Chuzhoi), as well as the online news platform Govorit neMoskva.
The "foreign agent" label, introduced by Russian authorities in 2012 and expanded in 2020, has been widely criticized for targeting independent journalists, activists, and media outlets. The designation requires those on the list to register with the government, report their activities, and disclose funding sources.
Treshchanin has long been known for his independent reporting on Russian political affairs, including the war in Ukraine. Prior to joining Mediazona, Treshchanin worked for the independent television channels Dozhd and Current Time, outlets that have faced increasing pressure from the Russian government.
His reporting on sensitive issues, including state corruption and human rights violations, has led to consistent harassment and threats.
Abdurahmanov, a prominent opposition figure and vocal critic of the authoritarian leader of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, gained international attention through YouTube videos in which he exposed human rights abuses and corruption in Chechnya.
A native of Chechnya, Abdurahmanov fled the region in the mid-2010s after a conflict with Kadyrov's family and eventually sought asylum in Sweden in 2021.
His reporting on the authoritarian practices of Chechen officials has made him a target of harassment, including a 2020 assassination attempt in his Swedish apartment. Abdurahmanov managed to subdue his attackers, later identifying them as Russian nationals, though the perpetrators' direct ties to the Chechen leadership were not conclusively proven.
Alesin is a popular Russian stand-up comedian, writer, and blogger known for his participation in Russia's Open Mic comedy shows and his satirical YouTube projects. His comedy series, including Klass Naroda (The People’s Class) and Neuverennaya Rossia (Uncertain Russia), have garnered millions of views.
Alesin became a public figure in Russia for his outspoken opposition to the war in Ukraine, issuing an open letter to President Vladimir Putin in 2022 denouncing the invasion. Following the letter, he received threats and ultimately left Russia.
Govorit neMoskva, an online publication focused on regional news from across Russia, provides in-depth coverage of lesser-known stories from the Russian provinces, a source of independent reporting that has increasingly drawn the ire of the Russian authorities.
The inclusion of these individuals and organizations highlights the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to suppress critical voices and curb dissent, particularly as it faces increasing international scrutiny over its actions in Ukraine and the repression of domestic opposition.
Critics of the law argue that it is a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate and silence independent media and activists who challenge the government's narrative.