By The Moscow Times | Created at 2026-08-21 15:05:15 | Updated at 2026-08-21 16:03:25
1 hour ago
Russia’s Justice Ministry on Friday re-designated the exiled news outlet Mediazona as a “foreign agent,” returning it to the state registry after the liquidation of its original legal entity previously forced its removal.
Authorities in Moscow accused Mediazona of spreading false information about Russian law enforcement agencies. The ministry also cited the outlet’s anti-war reporting and its distribution of content from other “foreign agents” and “undesirable” organizations.
Mediazona was initially branded a “foreign agent” in 2021. It was later removed from the registry after its founding legal entity, LLC ZP, was shut down.
Hundreds of cultural figures, journalists, businesspeople, as well as news outlets and organizations, have been branded “foreign agents” since Russia introduced the label in 2012.
Russia applies the designation to individuals it views as enemies of the state. Those branded as “foreign agents” are required to include a lengthy disclaimer in all of their public appearances and statements, including posts on social media.
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