On 7 October 2022, the Russian Justice Ministry designated journalist Evgeniya Baltatarova, along with other activists, as a “foreign agent”, claiming she “engaged in political activity”. Baltatarova is a journalist from Russia’s Buryatiya region, who left the country after police searched her apartment soon after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. Authorities also opened an investigation into her for alleged “discreditation” of the Russian army due to her social media posts in support of Ukraine.
Journalists designated as “foreign agents” are submitted to publication restrictions in Russia, and are obliged to declare their activities and revenues to the Russian Justice Ministry.