Russia opens criminal case against journalist listed as foreign agent

Russian authorities have launched a criminal case against journalist Oksana Barsheva, also known by her professional name Ksenia Larina, for allegedly violating the country’s controversial "foreign agents" law.

Larina, who is currently living outside of Russia, is accused of failing to submit mandatory reports to the Russian government, as required under legislation regulating individuals designated as foreign agents, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

According to investigators, her failure to comply with the reporting requirements constitutes a breach of federal law.

The case has been filed under Part 2 of Article 330.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which deals with the willful evasion of obligations imposed on individuals recognised as foreign agents. Authorities are considering placing Barsheva on Russia’s federal wanted list.

Russian security services are actively working to collect and preserve evidence as the investigation continues.

By Sabina Mammadli