TALLINN, Estonia — The Russian government, under President Vladimir Putin’s rule, has enacted a series of laws that curtail fundamental human rights and target dissenting voices in the country. These repressive measures restrict freedom of speech and assembly, as well as the rights of minority groups and those critical of the Kremlin’s narratives.
In recent years, the Kremlin has put in place legislation aimed at silencing “foreign agents” accused of influencing Russia, individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, and organizations spreading information contrary to official narratives regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The implementation of these laws has allowed Putin to maintain tight control over Russia’s political system, and he is poised to secure another term in the upcoming presidential election.
Human rights advocates fear that more oppressive measures will be implemented in the future, further stifling dissent and critical voices within Russia. The consequences of these laws have had far-reaching impacts on various aspects of society.
One such law, adopted in July 2012, labels nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations receiving foreign funding as “foreign agents.” This designation requires these organizations to submit detailed financial reports to the authorities, often deterring potential sponsors and partners. The label has also been extended to media outlets and individuals, predominantly targeting Kremlin critics, independent news sources, and rights groups. The registry of “foreign agents” currently lists over 770 NGOs, news outlets, and individuals, with regular additions made to the list.
Another law, signed in June 2013, stigmatizes the LGBTQ+ community and prohibits the dissemination of information on homosexuality to minors. This legislation has resulted in restrictions on books, movies, and media, as well as increased attacks on LGBTQ+ activists.
The Russian government further expanded its control over media and online platforms with a law signed in December 2013. This law granted the media regulator the power to block websites promoting protests or alleged extremist content solely based on an order from the Russian Prosecutor General’s office, bypassing the need for a court decision. Numerous websites, including critical news outlets, opposition pages, and rights groups’ sites, have been blocked as a result.
In May 2015, a law prohibiting “undesirable organizations” from operating in Russia was passed. It criminalizes the activities of foreign organizations viewed as threats to Russia’s constitutional order, defense capability, or security. However, the law has been used to suppress both foreign and Russian NGOs, opposition groups, and critical news outlets.
The tightening grip on civil liberties continued with the adoption of a law in July 2016 that expanded the powers of law enforcement agencies. This law allowed for increased surveillance, collection of citizens’ data under the pretext of combating terrorism and extremism, and imposed restrictions on religious missionary activities. It has drawn criticism from advocates for freedom of speech.
In May 2019, Russia introduced a so-called sovereign internet law, aimed at tightening control over the country’s internet infrastructure to enable authorities to disconnect it from the rest of the world if necessary. Under this law, telecom operators are required to install equipment that allows the blocking and rerouting of internet traffic. Experts have questioned the full implementation of this law but have warned of potential disruptions.
The Russian government’s crackdown on dissent escalated in March 2022, shortly after Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Legislation was swiftly enacted that criminalized any disparagement of the Russian military or the spreading of “false information” about the invasion, carrying prison sentences of up to 15 years. This law has been used to target war critics, independent media outlets, and opposition activists, resulting in the banning of numerous independent media sources and the arrest of thousands of Russians at anti-war protests.
In December 2022, the Russian authorities further intensified their suppression of the LGBTQ+ community by enacting a law that prohibits activities promoting LGBTQ+ rights. This law dealt another blow to an already embattled community.
By July 2023, Russia extended its restrictions to outlawing gender-affirming care and the ability to change gender markers in official documents and public records. The law’s proponents argue that it aims to protect Russia’s cultural and family values against what they view as the infiltration of Western anti-family ideology.
These laws, implemented to strengthen the grip on power and suppress dissenting voices, continue to raise concerns among human rights advocates, both within Russia and internationally. The impact of these repressive measures reverberates through various sectors of society and threatens the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom of expression.