Russia seeks arrest of comedian Slepakov over "foreign agent" rules

Russia’s Investigative Committee of Russia has requested the arrest in absentia of singer and comedian Semyon Slepakov over alleged violations of laws governing “foreign agents”.

The committee said in a statement on its official Telegram channel that criminal proceedings were opened against Slepakov on April 9. 

Investigators claim the artist was twice fined within a year for breaching regulations imposed on individuals designated as foreign agents.

Despite this, he allegedly continued to publish online content without the required labelling.

According to the authorities, Slepakov has been formally charged in absentia and placed on a wanted list.

He was added to Russia’s register of foreign agents in April 2023, with officials citing what they described as negative remarks about Russian citizens, receipt of funds from foreign sources, and opposition to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Slepakov previously attempted to challenge the designation in court, but his appeal was dismissed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev