September 19, 2024 Commentary

From Russia to Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia to Hungary, “Foreign Agent” Style Laws Have Become a Preferred Instrument for Authoritarians to Extinguish Critical Voices, Shield Their Rule from Scrutiny and Strengthen Their Hold on Power

On the night before the infamous “foreign agents” law came into force back in 2012, unknown individuals sprayed graffiti reading, “Foreign Agent! ♥ USA” on the buildings hosting the offices of three prominent NGOs in Moscow, including Memorial.