Jan 24, 2024. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
The State Duma of the Russian Federation (lower house) discussed a bill on
January 22nd regarding the arrest of financial assets, including property, of
residents of Russia openly criticizing the Russian army and the "special
military operation."
This information was reported by the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom on Twitter.
As stated in the summary, in recent months, several Russian writers and
musicians have been convicted for criticizing the war.
British intelligence reminds that in 2022, Putin signed changes to the law
on foreign agents from 2012, which was widely used for repression against
regime opponents. As of November 3, 2023, the overall list of "foreign
agents" comprised 707 individuals.
According to British intelligence, "foreign agents" include independent Russian news agencies and human rights organizations, many of which were forced to operate outside Russia.
"The legislation highly likely seeks to deter and silence anti-war
opposition. This recent bill in conjuction with the Foreign Agents measures,
likely intends to restrict criticism of the war altogether," notes the
Ministry of Defense of Britain.
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