Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a series of new laws, including a law against “foreign agents”. The reform expands the definition of “foreign agents,” the government said. Under the new rule, anyone who is “under foreign influence” or receives support from abroad – not just in the form of money – can now be declared a “foreign agent” in Russia.
The now tightened law has been used frequently in recent years used against members of the opposition, journalists and human rights activists. The change is scheduled to take effect on December 1st.
Putin also signed a bill that Acts against “national security” with long prison sentences. Accordingly, such calls by individuals can be punished with two to four years in prison, as stated on the Internet portal. The prison sentence can therefore be increased to five years if the calls are spread through the media and to seven years if they come from an organized group, it said.
Another law sees the Foundation of a patriotic youth movement for children from the age of six which is reminiscent of the youth organizations of the Soviet Union and is to be financed by the state.