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In Russia, on October 9, the organization of the Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny was classified as a "foreign agent", a measure that allows for increased surveillance.
On Wednesday, the Anti-Corruption Fund, the organization of the main opponent of the Kremlin, Alexei Navalny, was classified as " foreign agent " by the Ministry of Justice.
Introduced by law in 2012, this term refers to an organization receiving funding from another foreign country and having a " political activity ", a very imprecise concept. Any " foreign agent " is obliged to appear as such in any communication or public activity, is subject to significant administrative and financial constraints and increased supervision.
Attempted muzzling
The director of the fund, Ivan Jdanov, immediately assured on Twitter that the organization " is financed only by Russian citizens ". " We have never received any foreign funding ," he added, denouncing an attempt to " muzzle the Fund ."
The Anti-Corruption Fund, at the root of numerous investigations denouncing malpractices and the lavish lifestyle of Russian elites, was already targeted by a " money laundering " investigation. His accounts were frozen in August by the courts and massive searches targeted him in September.
The Russian authorities launched the investigation at the height of the protest this summer in Moscow, where opposition demonstrations were increasing in view of municipal. The supporters of Alexei Navalny were at the forefront of the organizers of these rallies, some of which were violently repressed.
(With agencies)
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