MoJ announces two activists from Southern Russia to be foreign agents

The Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has included Vitaly Votanovsky*, an activist from Krasnodar, and Anvar Kurmanakaev*, a Nogai activist, into the register of foreign agents; according to the MoJ, the disseminated information aimed at creating a negative image of Russia.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 10, 2023, it became known that the Leninsky District Court of Krasnodar had found the posting of links to publications of two outlets by Vitaly Votanovsky* as participation in the activities of an undesirable organization and fined him by 10,000 roubles. The links were posted before the above outlets were added to the list of undesirable organizations, his advocate has explained.

According to the Russian MoD, Vitaly Votanovsky* actively interacted with foreign media and foreign agents, disseminated false information about authorities' decisions and policies, and formed a negative image of Russia and the Russian Armed Forces.

Anvar Kurmanakaev* took part in forums organized in the territory of unfriendly countries, disseminated false information aimed at creating a negative image of Russia and its citizens, and openly expressed support for Ukrainian authorities.

*Included by the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) into the register of foreign agents.