Russian prosecutors investigate YouTuber for violating foreign agent policy
(MENAFN)
Russian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into a well-known YouTuber accused of failing to properly identify himself as a foreign agent in his published content, according to law enforcement sources reported by media outlets. The YouTuber in question, Yury Dud, boasts a following of over 10 million subscribers on YouTube.
Russian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into a well-known YouTuber accused of failing to properly identify himself as a foreign agent in his published content, according to law enforcement sources reported by media outlets. The YouTuber in question, Yury Dud, boasts a following of over 10 million subscribers on YouTube.
Dud left Russia in early 2022 following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and was officially designated as a foreign agent that same year—a status that legally requires him to clearly disclose this designation in all his content.
The Moscow Prosecutor’s Office has launched a criminal case after Dud was fined twice within the past year for distributing material without the necessary foreign agent disclaimer. Despite these fines, Dud reportedly continued to post content on social media without including the required labeling.
Starting his career as a sports journalist, Dud later gained fame through his YouTube channel ‘vDud,’ featuring interviews with public figures as well as documentaries covering social, political, and historical issues.
Russia’s foreign agent law, inspired by similar legislation in the United States, applies to individuals or organizations involved in financial or political activities on behalf of foreign governments. Initially enacted in 2012, the law has undergone several revisions as Russian authorities aim to counter what they perceive as growing Western influence.
Those designated as foreign agents are allowed to operate within Russia but must comply with strict regulations. These include labeling all content with the foreign agent status, submitting detailed financial reports to the Justice Ministry, and revealing sources of funding. Noncompliance with these requirements can lead to penalties including imprisonment for up to two years.
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