Zamoskvoretsky court refused to remove the status of a foreign agent from Maxim Galkin

The Zamoskvoretsky Court of Moscow refused to satisfy the claim of comedian and TV presenter Maxim Galkin (recognized as a foreign agent) demanding that he be removed from his status as a foreign agent. This was reported TASS with reference to the court.

During the meeting, Maxim Galkin’s defense insisted that he was not a political figure, and the status of a foreign agent violated his right to freedom of speech and the right not to be discriminated against. His representative also noted that performances abroad cannot be considered support received from foreign sources. “His personal opinion cannot be a political activity,” she said.

The Ministry of Justice, in turn, insists that Maxim Galkin is engaged in political activities. As evidence, a representative of the department provided videos and recordings of Mr. Galkin’s speeches, in which he criticizes the Russian military operation in Ukraine.

Maxim Galkin was added to the register of foreign agents in September 2022. The Ministry of Justice considered that he was engaged in political activities and received foreign support from Ukraine. Mr. Galkin criticized the decision to send troops to Ukraine, and also left Russia with his wife, singer Alla Pugacheva.

Earlier today court refused in satisfaction of a similar claim against blogger Ilya Varlamov (recognized as a foreign agent). It is also expected to consider a lawsuit from humorist Semyon Slepakov (recognized as a foreign agent).

Olesya Pavlenko