On December 25, Russian Duma approved a law that allows for ordinary citizens and informal organizations to be deemed “foreign agents” if they are involved in political activity in Russia and receive assistance from abroad.

The new law refers to more than just financial assistance and offers a broad interpretation of what constitutes political activity. What’s more, potential foreign agents are responsible for registering their status themselves and, under yet another law, failure to do so can threaten not only a fine, but also up to five years in prison. (more…)