Justice Ministry Re-Adds Exiled News Outlet Mediazona to ‘Foreign Agents’ List

Aug. 21, 2026 Russian Ministry of Justice. minjust.gov.ru Russia’s Justice Ministry on Friday re-designated the exiled news outlet Mediazona as a “foreign agent,” returning it to the state registry after the liquidation of its original legal entity previously forced its removal. Authorities in Moscow accused Mediazona of spreading false information about Russian law enforcement agencies. The ministry also cited the outlet’s anti-war reporting and its distribution of content from other “foreign agents” and “undesirable” organizations. Mediazona was initially branded a “foreign agent” in 2021. It was later removed from the registry after its founding legal entity, LLC ZP, was shut down. Hundreds of cultural figures, journalists, businesspeople, as well as news outlets and organizations, have been branded “foreign agents” since Russia introduced the label in 2012. Russia applies the designation to individuals it views as enemies of the state. Those branded as “foreign agents” are required to include a lengthy disclaimer in all of their public appearances and statements, including posts on social media. Read more about: Foreign Agents , Journalists Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia Issues Arrest Warrant for TV Rain Journalist Yulia Taratuta Russia’s Justice Ministry labeled Taratuta, a presenter with the exiled broadcaster TV Rain, a “foreign agent” in December 2022. 1 Min read Russia Fines Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Novaya Gazeta Over ‘Foreign Agent’ Tags Dmitry Muratov and Novaya Gazeta were fined for failing to mention the “foreign agent” status of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's groups. Meduza Launches Fundraiser in Bid to Survive ‘Foreign Agent’ Branding The independent news site says its future is in jeopardy after its "foreign agent" designation led to an exodus of advertisers. Russia Issues Deadline to U.S.-Funded Radio Over Fines The fines against RFE/RL have been described as "the heaviest fines ever imposed on a media outlet in Russia."