Journalist Saveliev* and activist Kankiya* comment on their inclusion into register of foreign agents

Journalist Alexander Saveliev* and activist David Kankiya* from Krasnodar do not agree with the decision of the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to include them into the register of foreign agents. However, the MoJ’s decision will not stop their activities.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on September 6, two Krasnodar residents living abroad – David Kankiya*, a member of the council of the “Voice” movement*, and journalist Alexander Saveliev* – were included by the Russian Ministry of Justice into the register of foreign agents.

Alexander Saveliev*, a founder of the “Protokol” news website, noted that a criminal case instituted against him several years ago for cooperation with an undesirable organization was closed.

The criminal case was instituted against Alexander Saveliev* for cooperation with an “undesirable organization.” The journalist claimed that he had never been a member of foreign associations. The criminal case was intended to intimidate the Kuban media, the journalists’ union stated in August 2019.

“Finding the truth in our justice system is as difficult as at polling stations. And, frankly speaking, I don’t really want to spend my time and energy on it,” David Kankiya* stated.

Alexander Saveliev*and David Kankiya* noted that inclusion of them into the list of foreign agents would not affect their activities.

“I will continue to observe the Russian elections, because I consider this activity an important civic project, part of public life,” David Kankiya* emphasized.

*Included by the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) into the register of foreign agents.

**On August 18, 2021, the “Golos” (Vote) all-Russian public movement in defence of voters' rights was included in the new register of unregistered public associations performing the functions of a foreign agent. The movement’s website is blocked in Russia.