Boris Akunin: Russia designates author ‘foreign agent’
Russia has labeled Boris Akunin, a renowned novelist and a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, as a foreign agent.
The country’s justice ministry included the 67-year-old author, known for his detective novels, on a list of “terrorists and extremists” due to his outspoken opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Akunin, whose real name is Grigory Chkhartishvili, had his books banned by authorities before the conflict.
The ministry accused him of spreading false information to create a negative perception of Russia and its military, as well as assisting in fundraising for the Ukrainian military. In response, Akunin, residing in London, quipped, “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.
