Deputies of the State Duma of Russia plan to impose additional restrictions on “foreign agents" and limit access to royalties registered in the Russian Federation until their status is revoked.
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According to Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, the draft law On Control Over the Activities of Persons Under External Influence will be submitted to the Duma today. The bill establishes that "foreign agents" will only be able to access the money they receive after their relevant status is revoked.
The bill stipulates that "foreign agents" must open a special ruble account, into which "any income from creative activities" will be deposited. If the person or organization declared as a "foreign agent" fails to do so, the obligation will fall on the party paying the "foreign agent."
"Foreign agents will be able to manage the funds from the special account only after their 'foreign agent' status is canceled. As per a court decision, the funds can then be transferred to the budget," said Volodin.
He added, "Our task is to begin the consideration of the draft law in the first reading next week. For the second reading, we plan to prepare additional rules on transferring funds received from the sale of movable and immovable property, leasing, and other incomes into a special account."
According to the Chairman of the State Duma, 491 people are currently recognized as "foreign agents," most of whom live abroad but receive royalties from Russia.
"They allow themselves to continue insulting our country and its citizens. They do not hesitate to say that they spend the money they receive, including, on supporting the armed forces of Ukraine. This is unacceptable," said Vyacheslav Volodin.
In Russia, the government can declare any natural or legal person as a "foreign agent" if it believes they are under "foreign influence." The so-called "agents" legislation was introduced in Russia about ten years ago and has been continuously amended since then. "Foreign agents" are prohibited from teaching in state institutions, organizing public events, being members of the election commission, and more. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the law violates freedom of expression and assembly, as well as the right to protection of private and family life.
