A Russian court on Monday sentenced a French researcher to three years in a penal colony after finding him guilty of breaching a "foreign agent" law.

The trial of Laurent Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, comes amid tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine war.

The 48-year-old was arrested in Moscow in June and charged with gathering information on Russia's military without being registered as a "foreign agent".

Judge Natalya Cheprasova at Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky district court ruled that Vinatier was guilty and sentenced him to three years in a penal colony, two years less than the maximum possible sentence, an AFP journalist in the courtroom heard.

Wearing jeans and a pale blue shirt, Vinatier looked grave but calm as the verdict was read. He was not allowed to speak to the media.

His lawyer Pavel Mamonov told journalists: "We consider the sentence harsh and will definitely appeal."

The Frenchman had acknowledged violating Russian law, saying he was unaware he should have registered as a "foreign agent".

The prosecutor had requested a sentence of three years and three months, saying Vinatier "repented" but the case involved "significant threats connected to Russia's security".

Ahead of the verdict, Vinatier gave a final speech in Russian, even quoting the national poet, Alexander Pushkin.

"I agree with the charge fully. I fully admit guilt," he told the court.

"I ask for a merciful and just sentence in the case," he added, apologising to Russia for breaking the law as well as to his NGO and family.

He read a poem by Pushkin titled "If Life Deceives You", with the lines: "The heart lives in the future... Everything is momentary, everything will pass."

Another lawyer for Vinatier, Oleg Bessonov, had asked the judge to issue him with a fine.

The "foreign agent" law has been widely used to crack down on critics of the Kremlin but not usually foreign citizens.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-iran-for-supplying-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-767339">EU sanctions Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia</a>

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French President Emmanuel Macron had demanded Vinatier's release, saying the "propaganda" against him "does not match reality".

Vinatier was charged over a requirement introduced in 2022 that people who gather information on Russia's military and arms that could harm the country's national security, must register as "foreign agents". He was not charged with espionage.

Tensions between Moscow and Paris are running high after France charged Russian-born Telegram founder Pavel Durov in August over illegal content on the popular social media platform, with the Kremlin warning against "political persecution".

France has also strongly supported Ukraine in its fight against Russia's offensive and is training thousands of Ukrainian troops.

Vinatier is an adviser with the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, and is a veteran researcher on Russia and other post-Soviet countries.

The Centre "works to prevent and resolve armed conflicts around the world through mediation and discreet diplomacy", it says in a statement on its website.

- 'Love for Russia' -

According to sources interviewed by AFP, the Frenchman had been working for years on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, before Russia launched its full-scale offensive in February 2022.

In his final speech in court, Vinatier said that he first visited Russia 20 years ago and decided to work there.

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"I fell in love with Russia. My wife is Russian, my friends are Russian. I lived a Russian life, that's who I am," he said.

Russia has arrested several Westerners and charged them with serious crimes during its Ukraine offensive, which ruptured ties with the West.

Washington has accused Moscow of arresting US citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad.

On August 1, Russia freed US reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and more than a dozen others -- including Russian opposition politicians -- in its biggest prisoner swap with the West since the Cold War.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.&nbsp;

A Russian court on Monday sentenced a French researcher to three years in a penal colony after finding him guilty of breaching a "foreign agent" law. The trial of Laurent Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, comes amid tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine war.

A Russian court on Monday sentenced a French researcher to three years in a penal colony after finding him guilty of breaching a "foreign agent" law. The trial of Laurent Vinatier, who works for a Swiss conflict mediation NGO, comes amid tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine war. The 48-year-old was arrested in Moscow in June and charged with gathering information on Russia's military without being registered as a "foreign agent". Judge Natalya Cheprasova at Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky district court ruled that Vinatier was guilty and sentenced him to three years in a penal colony, two years less than the maximum possible sentence, an AFP journalist in the courtroom heard. Wearing jeans and a pale blue shirt, Vinatier looked grave but calm as the verdict was read. He was not allowed to speak to the media. His lawyer Pavel Mamonov told journalists: "We consider the sentence harsh and will definitely appeal." The Frenchman had acknowledged violating Russian law, saying he was unaware he should have registered as a "foreign agent". The prosecutor had requested a sentence of three years and three months, saying Vinatier "repented" but the case involved "significant threats connected to Russia's security". Ahead of the verdict, Vinatier gave a final speech in Russian, even quoting the national poet, Alexander Pushkin. "I agree with the charge fully. I fully admit guilt," he told the court. "I ask for a merciful and just sentence in the case," he added, apologising to Russia for breaking the law as well as to his NGO and family. He read a poem by Pushkin titled "If Life Deceives You", with the lines: "The heart lives in the future... Everything is momentary, everything will pass." Another lawyer for Vinatier, Oleg Bessonov, had asked the judge to issue him with a fine. The "foreign agent" law has been widely used to crack down on critics of the Kremlin but not usually foreign citizens. Also Read | EU sanctions Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia French President Emmanuel Macron had demanded Vinatier's release, saying the "propaganda" against him "does not match reality". Vinatier was charged over a requirement introduced in 2022 that people who gather information on Russia's military and arms that could harm the country's national security, must register as "foreign agents". He was not charged with espionage. Tensions between Moscow and Paris are running high after France charged Russian-born Telegram founder Pavel Durov in August over illegal content on the popular social media platform, with the Kremlin warning against "political persecution". France has also strongly supported Ukraine in its fight against Russia's offensive and is training thousands of Ukrainian troops. Vinatier is an adviser with the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, and is a veteran researcher on Russia and other post-Soviet countries. The Centre "works to prevent and resolve armed conflicts around the world through mediation and discreet diplomacy", it says in a statement on its website. - 'Love for Russia' - According to sources interviewed by AFP, the Frenchman had been working for years on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, before Russia launched its full-scale offensive in February 2022. In his final speech in court, Vinatier said that he first visited Russia 20 years ago and decided to work there. Also Read | Poland welcomes India joining UN peacekeeping joint statement "I fell in love with Russia. My wife is Russian, my friends are Russian. I lived a Russian life, that's who I am," he said. Russia has arrested several Westerners and charged them with serious crimes during its Ukraine offensive, which ruptured ties with the West. Washington has accused Moscow of arresting US citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians convicted abroad. On August 1, Russia freed US reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and more than a dozen others -- including Russian opposition politicians -- in its biggest prisoner swap with the West since the Cold War. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian court sentences French researcher to 3 years' jail for breaching 'foreign agent' law

A Georgian parliament committee, on Monday (May 27) rejected the president’s veto of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-georgia-to-pass-foreign-agents-bill-amid-protests-what-is-it-about-721338">highly controversial “foreign agents”</a> legislation, reported the Associated Press, which was passed by lawmakers over two weeks ago despite massive protests and international criticism.&nbsp;

<h2>Presidential veto rejected&nbsp;</h2>

The move by the parliament’s judiciary committee paves the way for the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies to vote on a full legislature on Tuesday (May 28) to officially override President Salome Zourabichvili’s veto.&nbsp;

On May 14, Georgia’s parliament adopted the highly controversial “foreign agents” bill, despite weeks of, often violent, protests with many including the country’s president calling it similar to a Russian law used by Moscow to crack down on NGOs and independent news media who are critical of the Kremlin.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-president-says-vetoed-controversial-foreign-influence-law-722880">Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes controversial law after weeks of protests</a>

The so-called “foreign agents” law now requires organisations, including media outlets, nonprofits and other NGOs receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.”&nbsp;

Zourabichvili, who is among the critics of the bill, vetoed the legislation days after it was passed in parliament by lawmakers of the ruling party and its allies who have sufficient votes to override her veto in the chamber.&nbsp;

<h2>Georgia’s Independence Day marked by speeches, protests</h2>

The rejection of the veto by the Georgian parliament committee comes a day after the country celebrated its independence day with tension running high as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the president lashed out at each other over the legislation during the ceremony marking the occasion.&nbsp;

In her speech, Zourabichvili criticised the legislation which threatens the country’s bid to join the European Union.&nbsp;

“As the specter of Russia looms over us, partnership and rapprochement with Europe are the true path to preserving and strengthening our independence and peace,” said the president, on Sunday (May 26) at the ceremony celebrating the 106th anniversary of Tbilisi’s declaration of independence from Moscow.&nbsp;

She added, “Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the peaceful and secure future of our country, hindering the path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-introduces-new-visa-restrictions-on-georgia-over-foreign-agent-bill-724757">US introduces new visa restrictions on Georgia over 'foreign agent' bill</a>

At the same ceremony, the PM praised the country’s development and criticised the president. “It was the unity and reasonable steps of the people and their elected government that gave us the opportunity to maintain peace in the country for the past two years despite existential threats and multiple betrayals, including the betrayal of the president of Georgia,” said Kobakhidze.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, thousands took to the streets of the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi in protest of the “foreign agents” legislation amid reports of clashes between demonstrators and the police.&nbsp;

A report by Reuters citing a poll also said that Georgia’s 3.7 million people back EU accession.&nbsp;However, the foreign arm of the 27-nation bloc said that the adoption of the law “negatively impacts Georgia’s progress on the EU path.”

Last week, the United States announced travel sanctions against Georgian officials “who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.” The move has since been criticised by Tbilisi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Georgian parliament committee, on Monday (May 27) rejected the president’s veto of the highly controversial “foreign agents” legislation, reported the Associated Press, which was passed by lawmakers over two weeks ago despite massive protests and international criticism.

A Georgian parliament committee, on Monday (May 27) rejected the president’s veto of the highly controversial “foreign agents” legislation, reported the Associated Press, which was passed by lawmakers over two weeks ago despite massive protests and international criticism. Presidential veto rejected The move by the parliament’s judiciary committee paves the way for the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies to vote on a full legislature on Tuesday (May 28) to officially override President Salome Zourabichvili’s veto. On May 14, Georgia’s parliament adopted the highly controversial “foreign agents” bill, despite weeks of, often violent, protests with many including the country’s president calling it similar to a Russian law used by Moscow to crack down on NGOs and independent news media who are critical of the Kremlin. Also Read | Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ bill: President vetoes controversial law after weeks of protests The so-called “foreign agents” law now requires organisations, including media outlets, nonprofits and other NGOs receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad to register as bodies “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” Zourabichvili, who is among the critics of the bill, vetoed the legislation days after it was passed in parliament by lawmakers of the ruling party and its allies who have sufficient votes to override her veto in the chamber. Georgia’s Independence Day marked by speeches, protests The rejection of the veto by the Georgian parliament committee comes a day after the country celebrated its independence day with tension running high as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the president lashed out at each other over the legislation during the ceremony marking the occasion. In her speech, Zourabichvili criticised the legislation which threatens the country’s bid to join the European Union. “As the specter of Russia looms over us, partnership and rapprochement with Europe are the true path to preserving and strengthening our independence and peace,” said the president, on Sunday (May 26) at the ceremony celebrating the 106th anniversary of Tbilisi’s declaration of independence from Moscow. She added, “Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the peaceful and secure future of our country, hindering the path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world.” Also Read | US introduces new visa restrictions on Georgia over 'foreign agent' bill At the same ceremony, the PM praised the country’s development and criticised the president. “It was the unity and reasonable steps of the people and their elected government that gave us the opportunity to maintain peace in the country for the past two years despite existential threats and multiple betrayals, including the betrayal of the president of Georgia,” said Kobakhidze. Meanwhile, thousands took to the streets of the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi in protest of the “foreign agents” legislation amid reports of clashes between demonstrators and the police. A report by Reuters citing a poll also said that Georgia’s 3.7 million people back EU accession. However, the foreign arm of the 27-nation bloc said that the adoption of the law “negatively impacts Georgia’s progress on the EU path.” Last week, the United States announced travel sanctions against Georgian officials “who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.” The move has since been criticised by Tbilisi. (With inputs from agencies)

Georgian parliament rejects presidential veto of ‘foreign agents’ legislation; PM, prez lash out at each other

Tom Barrack, chairman of Donald Trump's inaugural committee has not been found guilty on charges of using his powers to reach the Republican president to serve the interest of the UAE.&nbsp;

Barrack, 75, has been serving as the inauguration committee chairman for a long time and is one of Trump's associates charged with various offences.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-clearest-signal-yet-might-announce-2024-presidential-run-on-november-14-531314">Also read |&nbsp;Donald Trump's clearest signal yet, might announce 2024 presidential run on November 14</a>

Recently during the federal trial, he was not found guilty of serving as an unregistered agent for a foreign government or false statements.

Barrack has always refuted the allegations. He said, "I never did anything wrong."&nbsp;

During the hearing, the US assistant attorney said that Barack served as the 'eyes,' 'ears,' and 'voice' for the Emirates to influence Trump's foreign policy. He continued by saying that he used power and connection in UAE to convince people to invest in the building he was making. The prosecutor cited the shady texts that Barrack was under Rashid Al-Malik's direction, the Guardian reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, defence lawyer Randall Jackson claimed that Barrack made no effort to hide his relationship with Al-Malik.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250-million-bail-deal-helps-trumps-ally-tom-barrack-get-out-of-jail-400317">Also read |&nbsp;$250 million bail deal helps&nbsp;Trump’s ally Tom Barrack get out of jail&nbsp;</a>

Additionally, he stated that it "makes no sense" for his client to attempt to sabotage Trump's campaign on behalf of the UAE at the time of Trump's win. He participated in the campaign, perhaps to a fault, he is honest to his mates, the attorney claimed.&nbsp;

The chairman further gained attention by generating $107 million for the 2016 presidential elections. This event drew criticism for its extravagant spending and for attracting several foreign officials to influence the new administration.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Tom Barrack, chairman of Donald Trump's inaugural committee has not been found guilty on charges of using his powers to reach the Republican president to serve the interest of the UAE.

Tom Barrack, chairman of Donald Trump's inaugural committee has not been found guilty on charges of using his powers to reach the Republican president to serve the interest of the UAE. Barrack, 75, has been serving as the inauguration committee chairman for a long time and is one of Trump's associates charged with various offences. Also read | Donald Trump's clearest signal yet, might announce 2024 presidential run on November 14 Recently during the federal trial, he was not found guilty of serving as an unregistered agent for a foreign government or false statements. Barrack has always refuted the allegations. He said, "I never did anything wrong." During the hearing, the US assistant attorney said that Barack served as the 'eyes,' 'ears,' and 'voice' for the Emirates to influence Trump's foreign policy. He continued by saying that he used power and connection in UAE to convince people to invest in the building he was making. The prosecutor cited the shady texts that Barrack was under Rashid Al-Malik's direction, the Guardian reported. However, defence lawyer Randall Jackson claimed that Barrack made no effort to hide his relationship with Al-Malik. Also read | $250 million bail deal helps Trump’s ally Tom Barrack get out of jail Additionally, he stated that it "makes no sense" for his client to attempt to sabotage Trump's campaign on behalf of the UAE at the time of Trump's win. He participated in the campaign, perhaps to a fault, he is honest to his mates, the attorney claimed. The chairman further gained attention by generating $107 million for the 2016 presidential elections. This event drew criticism for its extravagant spending and for attracting several foreign officials to influence the new administration. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

I never did anything wrong': Trump's ally Tom Barrack not found guilty of acting as foreign agent

Russia on Friday labelled superstar rapper Oxxxymiron, popular among young Russians, a "foreign agent", according to the interior ministry's website.

Oxxxymiron, the stage name of 37-year-old Miron Fyodorov, has called the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive a "catastrophe and a crime".&nbsp;

His name was added to a register of "foreign agents" -- a term used to crackdown on Kremlin critics -- on the ministry's website. &nbsp;

The rapper is one of thousands of Russians who left Russia since the Kremlin sent troops to Ukraine and has organised concerts in support of Ukrainian refugees from abroad.

Popular Russian science fiction writer Dmitry Glukhovsky -- who also denounced the offensive and was put on a wanted list for "discrediting" the Russian army -- was also labelled a "foreign agent".

The author of a 2002 post-apocalyptic fiction novel, 'Metro 2033', was put on the list after a Russian court ordered his arrest in absentia for his criticism of the offensive.

Feminist politician Alena Popova -- who has long campaigned for domestic violence legislation in Russia -- and a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Liberty, Irina Storozheva, were also added to the foreign agent list.&nbsp;

The label, which is reminiscent of the "enemy of the people" of the Soviet era, has been used extensively against opponents, journalists and human rights activists accused of conducting foreign-funded political activities.

Russia on Friday labelled superstar rapper Oxxxymiron, popular among young Russians, a "foreign agent", according to the interior ministry's website. Oxxxymiron, the stage name of 37-year-old Miron Fyodorov, has called the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive a "catastrophe and a crime".

Russia on Friday labelled superstar rapper Oxxxymiron, popular among young Russians, a "foreign agent", according to the interior ministry's website. Oxxxymiron, the stage name of 37-year-old Miron Fyodorov, has called the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive a "catastrophe and a crime". His name was added to a register of "foreign agents" -- a term used to crackdown on Kremlin critics -- on the ministry's website. The rapper is one of thousands of Russians who left Russia since the Kremlin sent troops to Ukraine and has organised concerts in support of Ukrainian refugees from abroad. Popular Russian science fiction writer Dmitry Glukhovsky -- who also denounced the offensive and was put on a wanted list for "discrediting" the Russian army -- was also labelled a "foreign agent". The author of a 2002 post-apocalyptic fiction novel, 'Metro 2033', was put on the list after a Russian court ordered his arrest in absentia for his criticism of the offensive. Feminist politician Alena Popova -- who has long campaigned for domestic violence legislation in Russia -- and a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Liberty, Irina Storozheva, were also added to the foreign agent list. The label, which is reminiscent of the "enemy of the people" of the Soviet era, has been used extensively against opponents, journalists and human rights activists accused of conducting foreign-funded political activities.

Russia labels star rapper Oxxxymiron a 'foreign agent' on interior ministry website

As part of its ongoing crackdown on media outlets and rights groups, Russia has declared the main organisation defending LGBTQ rights to be a "foreign agent" on Monday.

In addition, several lawyers tied to the Russian opposition were also declared foreign agents by the ministry.

Groups classified as "foreign agents" must make their status known in all their publications and on social media, as well as follow a myriad of administrative procedures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/close-to-crime-against-humanity-teaching-children-about-gender-identity-is-monstrous-says-putin-423080">'Close to crime against humanity': Teaching children about gender identity is 'monstrous', says Putin</a>

Similar to the Soviet-era "enemy of the people" tag, it is intended to target groups with foreign funding and those engaging in political activities.

LGBT-Set has been added to the Justice Ministry's official list of foreign agents. This list already features a number of journalists, lawyers, and activists.&nbsp;

The organisation, which was founded in 2006, according to its website caters to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families providing them with legal assistance and support.

In addition, it conducts educational campaigns and gathers evidence of discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-gay-men-returned-to-chechnya-face-mortal-danger-rights-group-says-361852">Two gay men returned to Chechnya face 'mortal danger', rights group says</a>

Earlier this year, in February, the group had denounced the arrest of two Chechen men who were then deported back to Chechnya.

Authorities in the Russian republic have been accused by rights groups of jailing and torturing homosexuals in secret prisons.

In Russia, where conservative and religious circles hold a dim view of the LGBTQ community, attacks on them are relatively frequent.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: In Europe, a fight for LGBTQ rights

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-in-europe-a-fight-for-lgbtq-rights-393771/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia implemented a law banning homosexual "propaganda" aimed at minors in 2013, which served as a pretext for banning Pride marches and rainbow flags that are symbols of the LGBTQ community.

As of 2020, the Russian constitution also specifies that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, effectively banning gay marriage. 
&nbsp;

As part of its ongoing crackdown on media outlets and rights groups, Russia has declared the main organisation defending LGBTQ rights to be a "foreign agent" on Monday.

As part of its ongoing crackdown on media outlets and rights groups, Russia has declared the main organisation defending LGBTQ rights to be a "foreign agent" on Monday. In addition, several lawyers tied to the Russian opposition were also declared foreign agents by the ministry. Groups classified as "foreign agents" must make their status known in all their publications and on social media, as well as follow a myriad of administrative procedures. Also read | 'Close to crime against humanity': Teaching children about gender identity is 'monstrous', says Putin Similar to the Soviet-era "enemy of the people" tag, it is intended to target groups with foreign funding and those engaging in political activities. LGBT-Set has been added to the Justice Ministry's official list of foreign agents. This list already features a number of journalists, lawyers, and activists. The organisation, which was founded in 2006, according to its website caters to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families providing them with legal assistance and support. In addition, it conducts educational campaigns and gathers evidence of discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation. Also read | Two gay men returned to Chechnya face 'mortal danger', rights group says Earlier this year, in February, the group had denounced the arrest of two Chechen men who were then deported back to Chechnya. Authorities in the Russian republic have been accused by rights groups of jailing and torturing homosexuals in secret prisons. In Russia, where conservative and religious circles hold a dim view of the LGBTQ community, attacks on them are relatively frequent. Watch | Gravitas: In Europe, a fight for LGBTQ rights Russia implemented a law banning homosexual "propaganda" aimed at minors in 2013, which served as a pretext for banning Pride marches and rainbow flags that are symbols of the LGBTQ community. As of 2020, the Russian constitution also specifies that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, effectively banning gay marriage.

Russia assigns enemy of the people, 'foreign agent' tag to LGBT rights group

Twelve opposition candidates running for Russia’s parliamentary election in September met numerous journalists in Moscow on Saturday, asking them to “resist” the Kremlin’s crackdown against the independent media.

The small rally on Saturday was organized by several opposition candidates. It was officially billed as a meeting between candidates and voters in order to avoid accusations of staging an unauthorized rally, according to news agency Associated Press.

The candidates condemned the recent designation of several independent media outlets as “foreign agents.”

“(President Vladimir) Putin has set his own goals. The media is bothering him, so all media must be destroyed,” Reuters quoted Marina Litobinovich, one of the opposition candidates, while speaking to a crowd.

“My friend, we have to resist as much as we can. Many media will have to go underground.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-declares-media-outlet-the-insider-a-foreign-agent-400306">Russia declares media outlet The Insider a 'foreign agent'</a>

Russia’s controversial “foreign agent” law was adopted in 2012. The government uses the foreign agent designation to label foreign-funded organisations that it says are engaged in political activity.

The term carries negative Soviet-era connotations and subjects those designated to extra government scrutiny.

The authorities have designated nearly 50 journalists and media as “foreign agents.” The term they say refers to foreign-funded outlets that have political prejudice but are criticized by critics as a reversion to Soviet persecution.

The Kremlin denies persecuting the media for political reasons.

The status of a foreign agent increases the risk of prosecution by requiring the media to submit detailed reports of activities and finances.

Candidates have promised to run a campaign to overturn the law on foreign agents if journalists are elected.

(With inputs from agencies)

Twelve opposition candidates running for Russia’s parliamentary election in September met numerous journalists in Moscow on Saturday, asking them to “resist” the Kremlin’s crackdown against the independent media.

Twelve opposition candidates running for Russia’s parliamentary election in September met numerous journalists in Moscow on Saturday, asking them to “resist” the Kremlin’s crackdown against the independent media. The small rally on Saturday was organized by several opposition candidates. It was officially billed as a meeting between candidates and voters in order to avoid accusations of staging an unauthorized rally, according to news agency Associated Press. The candidates condemned the recent designation of several independent media outlets as “foreign agents.” “(President Vladimir) Putin has set his own goals. The media is bothering him, so all media must be destroyed,” Reuters quoted Marina Litobinovich, one of the opposition candidates, while speaking to a crowd. “My friend, we have to resist as much as we can. Many media will have to go underground.” Also read | Russia declares media outlet The Insider a 'foreign agent' Russia’s controversial “foreign agent” law was adopted in 2012. The government uses the foreign agent designation to label foreign-funded organisations that it says are engaged in political activity. The term carries negative Soviet-era connotations and subjects those designated to extra government scrutiny. The authorities have designated nearly 50 journalists and media as “foreign agents.” The term they say refers to foreign-funded outlets that have political prejudice but are criticized by critics as a reversion to Soviet persecution. The Kremlin denies persecuting the media for political reasons. The status of a foreign agent increases the risk of prosecution by requiring the media to submit detailed reports of activities and finances. Candidates have promised to run a campaign to overturn the law on foreign agents if journalists are elected. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian opposition candidates rally media against 'foreign agent' law

Major Crackdown On Free Speech & Dissent In Russia.

Gravitas: In Russia, Journalist = Foreign Agent

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