The Federation Council approved the law on strengthening control over foreign agents

The Federation Council approved a law strengthening control over the implementation of legislation on foreign agents. About it reported press service of the upper house of parliament. On July 13, the law was immediately adopted by the State Duma in the second and third readings.

The Ministry of Justice will be able to control the implementation of the law not only by foreign agents themselves, but also by those who interact with such citizens, follows from the document. In particular, they will not have to help foreign agents bypass restrictions. In case of violation of the law, the Ministry of Justice has the right to issue a warning to persons interacting with foreign agents.

Public authorities, organizations of all forms of ownership, officials, as well as individuals with any citizenship will also have to take into account the restrictions. If the Ministry of Justice receives information about a violation of the law on foreign agents in relation to such persons, an unscheduled inspection may be carried out.

In addition, the law deprives foreign agents of the opportunity to receive property support from the state, which is used by socially oriented NGOs and small and medium-sized businesses. According to the explanatory note, this “contradicts Russia’s national interests.”

The bill was introduced in the lower house on 26 April. The new rules were prepared by the Duma commission to investigate the facts of foreign interference, headed by its chairman Vasily Piskarev.

In addition, at the same time, amendments were made to the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, which introduce a fine for failure to comply with an order or warning from the Ministry of Justice. For citizens, it will be up to 50,000 rubles, for officials – up to 100,000 rubles, and for legal entities – up to 300,000 rubles. Today, these amendments have also been approved by the Federation Council.