Russia declares popular author Boris Akunin "foreign agent"
Russia declares popular author Boris Akunin a "foreign agent" |
The Russian Federation has declared Boris Akunin, one of the top authors and novelists in Russia as a foreign agent.
The Russian Justice Ministry said in a statement that Mr. Akunin - whose real name is Grigory Chkhartishvili - "opposed the special military operation in Ukraine".
Boris Akunin was added to a register of "terrorists and extremists" by Russia's justice ministry over his objections to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Boris is currently 67 years old and he is one of the most famous authors in Russia and also a bestseller. He has previously made headlines for his criticism of the Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The ministry added that Mr Akunin had "disseminated false information aimed at creating a negative image" of Russia and its army.
It also accused him of helping to raise funds to support the Ukrainian military.
On the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Mr Akunin wrote: "Russia is ruled by a psychologically deranged dictator, and worst of all, it obediently follows his paranoia."
Responding to the justice ministry's announcement late on Friday, Mr. Akunin - who lives in London - wrote: "Terrorists declared me a terrorist".
The "foreign agent" label, which is reminiscent of the term "enemies of the people" of the Soviet era, requires those who are branded "foreign agents" to identify themselves as such on social media and other publications. It also puts burdensome financial reporting requirements on them.
Many Russian cultural figures have fled the country since Moscow began its military campaign against Ukraine. Those who stayed face strict censorship laws.
After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country has faced many problems and a decline in economy and exports.
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