THIRD SECTION
CASE OF ZAKHAROV AND OTHERS v. RUSSIA
(Applications nos. 3292/24 and 31 others –
see appended list)
JUDGMENT
STRASBOURG
6 March 2025
This judgment is final but it may be subject to editorial revision.
In the case of Zakharov and Others v. Russia,
The European Court of Human Rights (Third Section), sitting as a Committee composed of:
Diana Kovatcheva, President,
Úna Ní Raifeartaigh,
Mateja Đurović, judges,
and Viktoriya Maradudina, Acting Deputy Section Registrar,
Having deliberated in private on 13 February 2025,
Delivers the following judgment, which was adopted on that date:
PROCEDURE
1. The case originated in applications against Russia lodged with the Court under Article 34 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (“the Convention”) on the various dates indicated in the appended table.
2. The Russian Government were given notice of the applications.
THE FACTS
3. The list of applicants and the relevant details of the applications are set out in the appended table.
4. The applicants complained of restrictions imposed by the “foreign agent” legislation, including their designation as “foreign agents”, the imposition of additional requirements and restrictions on their activities, and sanctions for alleged non-compliance. Some applicants also complained of violations of their right to respect for private life and raised other complaints under the Convention.
THE LAW
JOINDER OF THE APPLICATIONS5. Having regard to the similar subject matter of the applications, the Court finds it appropriate to examine them jointly in a single judgment.
Jurisdiction6. The Court observes that the facts giving rise to the alleged violations of the Convention occurred prior to 16 September 2022, the date on which the Russian Federation ceased to be a party to the Convention. The Court therefore decides that it has jurisdiction to examine the present applications (see Fedotova and Others v. Russia [GC], nos. 40792/10 and 2 others, §§ 68‑73, 17 January 2023).
ALLEGED VIOLATION OF ARTICLE 10 of the Convention7. The applicants complained principally of restrictions on their freedom of expression through the “foreign agent” legislation, including compulsory registration, labelling requirements and punitive sanctions. They relied on Article 10 of the Convention.
8. In the leading case of Kobaliya and Others v. Russia (nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, §§ 70-98, 22 October 2024), the Court found that the designation of “foreign agent” was stigmatising and misleading, as it implied an agency relationship without any evidence of foreign control or direction. The “foreign agent” legislation imposed onerous requirements, including mandatory labelling of all publications, along with restrictions on certain activities, and carried severe sanctions for non-compliance, such as substantial fines and the forced dissolution of organisations. These measures were found to be neither justified by a “pressing social need” nor “necessary in a democratic society”.
9. Having examined all the material submitted to it, the Court has not found any fact or argument capable of persuading it to reach a different conclusion on the admissibility and merits of the present complaints.
10. The complaints are therefore admissible and disclose a violation of Article 10 of the Convention.
OTHER ALLEGED VIOLATIONS UNDER WELL-ESTABLISHED CASE-LAW11. Some individual applicants designated as “foreign agents” complained under Article 8 of interference with their private life due to their designation and the ensuing restrictions, while others raised complaints under other Convention provisions, in particular under Article 14, alleging discrimination on account of their political position. These complaints are not manifestly ill-founded within the meaning of Article 35 § 3 (a) of the Convention, nor inadmissible on any other grounds and thus should be declared admissible. Having examined all the material before it, the Court finds a violation of Article 8 of the Convention and concludes that no separate examination is necessary under the other invoked provisions (see Kobaliya and Others, cited above, §§ 103-16 and 117).
APPLICATION OF ARTICLE 41 OF THE CONVENTION12. Having regard to the documents in its possession and to its case-law, the Court considers it reasonable to award each applicant 10,000 euros (EUR) in respect of damage under all heads, and EUR 250 for costs and expenses, plus any tax that may be chargeable to them (see Kobaliya and Others, cited above, § 121).
13. The Court notes that the respondent State’s cessation of membership in the Council of Europe does not absolve it from its duty to cooperate with the Convention bodies and to implement the Court’s judgments (ibid., § 124).
FOR THESE REASONS, THE COURT, UNANIMOUSLY,
Decides to join the applications;Holds that it has jurisdiction to deal with these applications as the facts giving rise to the alleged interference occurred before 16 September 2022; Declares the applications admissible;Holds that these applications disclose a violation of Article 10 of the Convention concerning the restrictions on the right to freedom of expression;Holds that there has been a violation of Article 8 of the Convention as regards the other complaints raised under the well-established case-law of the Court (see appended table);Holds that it is not necessary to examine separately the remaining complaints raised under the Convention by the applicants; Holds(a) that the respondent State is to pay the applicants, within three months, EUR 10,250 (ten thousand two hundred and fifty euros), plus any tax that may be chargeable to them, to be converted into the currency of the respondent State at the rate applicable at the date of settlement;
(b) that from the expiry of the above-mentioned three months until settlement simple interest shall be payable on the above amounts at a rate equal to the marginal lending rate of the European Central Bank during the default period plus three percentage points.
Done in English, and notified in writing on 6 March 2025, pursuant to Rule 77 §§ 2 and 3 of the Rules of Court.
Viktoriya Maradudina Diana Kovatcheva
Acting Deputy Registrar President
APPENDIX
List of applications raising complaints under Article 10 of the Convention
(various restrictions on the right to freedom of expression)
No.
Application no.
Date of introduction
Applicant’s name
Year of birth
Representative’s name and location
Summary of facts
Final decision
Date
Name of the court
Legal issues
Relevant case-law
Other complaints under well‑established case-law
3292/24
24/01/2024
Andrey Vyacheslavovich ZAKHAROV
1983
The applicant is an investigative journalist. On 08/10/2021 the Ministry of Justice designated the applicant as a “foreign agent”. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
25/09/2023 (received on 28/09/2023), Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
3715/24
26/01/2024
Yekaterina Yevgenyevna LUSHNIKOVA
1969
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a journalist who has been a freelance correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in the Kirov region since 2004 and a correspondent for Idel.Realii. On 22/04/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a “foreign agent” media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
19/12/2023, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
4078/24
30/01/2024
Anna Lvovna GOLUBEVA
1970
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a psychologist who organises seminars, trainings, and events for the LGBTQ community and professionals, as well as conferences and family equality festivals. On 01/04/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a “foreign agent” media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
21/12/2023, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
7769/24
27/02/2024
Yevgeniy Nikolayevich PONASENKOV
1982
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian publicist, historian and video blogger. Since 2016, he has been a columnist for Millionaire.ru and runs a YouTube channel where he shares TV appearances and livestreams on current global events. On 01/04/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent” media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
09/01/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
7777/24
27/02/2024
Alla Mikhaylovna KONSTANTINOVA
1988
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a correspondent for the online publication Mediazona (which was designated as a “foreign agent” media outlet on 29/09/2021). On 01/04/2022, the Ministry of Justice included her in the register of “foreign agent” media professionals. The applicant’s appeal to the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation was unsuccessful.
21/12/2023, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
9691/24
28/03/2024
Vladimir Vladimirovich VORONOV
1963
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian journalist who previously worked for many independent media outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Novaya Gazeta and the online publication "Top Secret". On 22/04/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
30/11/2023 (sent on 04/12/2023), Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
9692/24
28/03/2024
Natalya Vladimirovna BARANOVA
1993
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian journalist and media manager. On 06/05/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
29/11/2023, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
10848/24
26/03/2024
Leonid Mikhaylovich VOLKOV
1980
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a public figure and former chairman of the Anti-Corruption Foundation. He served as the head of Alexei Navalny’s campaign for the 2018 Russian Presidential elections and later led Navalny’s regional campaign offices. On 22/04/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent” individual. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
30/11/2023, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
10852/24
24/03/2024
Polina Vladimirovna KOSTYLEVA
1977
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a coordinator for the independent election monitor Golos in St Petersburg. On 29/09/2021 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a “foreign agent” media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
02/02/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
11464/24
04/04/2024
MOSCOW COMMUNITY CENTER FOR LGBT+ INITIATIVES
2015
Tatyana Viktorovna VINNICHENKO
1973
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicants are an unregistered public association, the "Moscow Community Centre for LGBT+ Initiatives" (MCC), a human rights LGBT+ organisation, and its director Ms Tatyana Vinnichenko. On 11/02/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated the MCC as an unregistered public association performing the functions of a "foreign agent". The applicants’ challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
15/12/2023, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
11746/24
11/04/2024
Leonid Yakovlevich GOZMAN
1950
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian public figure, political activist and writer. On 06/05/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
13/12/2023, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
13293/24
02/05/2024
Ivan Mikhaylovich BELYAYEV
1986
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a journalist and has been a contributor to the Russian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) since 2013 (designated as a “foreign agent” media outlet on 05/12/2017). He has also been the social media editor for Radio Liberty since August 2015. On 30/12/2021 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent” media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
12/02/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
14670/24
03/05/2024
Yelena Viktorovna SHUKAYEVA
1968
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian journalist who collaborates with several independent media outlets. On 09/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
09/01/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
14743/24
16/05/2024
Irina Vladimirovna MALKOVA
1982
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian journalist and media manager. Since 2017, she has been the editor-in-chief of the online media outlet The Bell, designated as a "foreign agent" media since 09/12/2022. On 01/04/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
29/01/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
15830/24
03/06/2024
Andrey Viktorovich FILIMONOV
1969
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian writer, author of several novels, and recipient of literary awards. Since 2015, he has worked as a freelance journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, writing articles on historical and current affairs. On 08/04/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
19/02/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere -
17789/24
06/06/2024
Aleksey Vladimirovich SEMENOV
1967
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian journalist for Sever.Realii. On 15/04/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent” media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
12/02/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
17937/24
11/06/2024
Andrey Vadimovich MAKAREVICH
1953
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian rock musician, singer, composer, television host, and the long-standing frontman of the rock band Mashina Vremeni. On 02/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent” individual. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
23/04/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
18964/24
28/06/2024
Valeriy Dmitriyevich SOLOVEY
1960
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian historian, political analyst and publicist. On 09/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent”. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
15/04/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
19002/24
28/06/2024
Fedor Gennadyevich KRASHENINNIKOV
1976
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian political analyst, publicist, and author of the book Cloud Democracy. On 02/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent” individual. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
12/04/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
22129/24
10/07/2024
Yelena Sergeyevna VLADYKINA
1995
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian journalist with over 10 years of experience working in various media outlets, including as a correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Russian Service in St Petersburg and for the publication "Sever.Realii". On 30/12/2021 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
11/03/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
22133/24
19/07/2024
Maksim Aleksandrovich GALKIN
1976
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a well-known Russian entertainer and TV presenter with over 9 million Instagram followers. After criticising Russia’s actions in Ukraine in February 2022, he left the country and continued to express anti-war views. On 16/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a "foreign agent" individual. The appeal against the designation was unsuccessful.
16/09/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere -
22484/24
19/07/2024
Andrey Andreyevich AFANASYEV
1993
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian journalist who collaborates with media outlets such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and SOTA. On 09/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
28/05/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
22488/24
19/07/2024
Mikhail Vladimirovich SOKOLOV
1962
Misakyan Tumas Arsenovich
Moscow
The applicant is a Russian journalist who worked as a presenter on radio station Echo of Moscow until March 2022. He has also worked as a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. On 03/06/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
10/04/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
22493/24
17/07/2024
Mikhail Grigoryevich SHATS
1965
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian public figure, member of the Public Council of the Russian Jewish Congress, television host and stand-up comedian. On 02/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent” media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
10/06/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
24443/24
02/08/2024
Yevgeniya Markovna ALBATS
1958
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian journalist and editor-in-chief of the media outlet "The New Times". On 29/07/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a "foreign agent" media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
14/06/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
24653/24
09/08/2024
Tatyana Yuryevna LAZAREVA
1966
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian public figure, actress, and television host. On 22/07/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a “foreign agent” media professional. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
15/07/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
24659/24
09/08/2024
Yuliya Leonidovna LATYNINA
1966
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian journalist, writer, television and radio host, and columnist. On 09/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a “foreign agent” individual. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
27/04/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
26996/24
10/09/2024
Dmitriy Petrovich ALESHKOVSKIY
1985
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian journalist who founded the charitable foundation Nuzhna Pomoshch, which provides assistance to socially vulnerable citizens, and the online media outlet Takie Dela, which covers the activities of the foundation. On 29/07/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated the applicant as a “foreign agent”. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
24/06/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
26999/24
10/09/2024
Tamara Natanovna EYDELMAN
1958
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian historian, teacher, writer, translator, radio host and blogger. On 09/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated her as a "foreign agent" individual. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
21/08/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
28595/24
20/09/2024
Ivan Yuryevich ZHDANOV
1988
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a public and political figure. He served as a lawyer for the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) from 2014 to 2018 and as its director from 2018 to 2021. In 2019 FBK was designated a “foreign agent” NGO. The applicant is also a member of the central council of the unregistered party “Russia of the Future.” On 02/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a “foreign agent” individual. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
05/09/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
28597/24
20/09/2024
Boris Dmitriyevich ZIMIN
1968
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian entrepreneur, founder and chairman of the board of trustees of the Dmitry Zimin Dynasty Foundation, aimed at supporting and developing Russian education, fundamental science, and its popularisation (the foundation was designated as a “foreign agent” NGO in 2015 and ceased operations in 2020). He also founded the Sreda Media Support Foundation (which was also designated as a “foreign agent” NGO in 2015 and ceased operations in 2019). On 02/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated the applicant as a “foreign agent” individual. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
10/09/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere
28598/24
20/09/2024
Maykl Sidney NAKI
1993
Bochilo Anna Yevgenyevna
Barnaul
The applicant is a Russian blogger, streamer and journalist. On 09/09/2022 the Ministry of Justice designated him as a "foreign agent" individual. The applicant’s challenge to this designation was unsuccessful.
10/09/2024, Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Foreign-agent designation is arbitrary and not necessary in a democratic society
Ecodefence and Others v. Russia, nos. 9988/13 and 60 others, 14 June 2022, and Kobaliya and Others v. Russia, nos. 39446/16 and 105 others, 22 October 2024
Art. 8 (1) - interference with the right to reputation, and inability to forge and maintain relationship with others in the professional and social sphere