Kremlin's 'Russophobes' list targets global dissenters
In Russia, a website named "Russophobes" has been launched. It lists individuals and organisations considered as enemies of the regime. Experts indicate that it functions as a tool of state terrorism.
What you need to know
- A website called "Russophobes" has been launched in Russia, listing individuals and organisations deemed enemies of the regime.
- The project is backed by influential Kremlin factions.
- The list features both Russian opposition figures and foreign organisations. Included is the Polish Intelligence Agency, illustrating the project's broad scope.
As Dr Jakub Olchowski observes, "the current geopolitical situation empowers Russians and gives them momentum."
- Thanks, in part, to actions by Donald Trump and his team, Russia is emerging from isolation. This includes Putin - he is starting to be perceived as a politician with whom dialogue can take place; he is also shaking off the image of a bloody dictator - Olchowski evaluated in an interview with the Polish Press Agency.
Russia unveils a list of regime enemies
A website has been launched in Russia containing a list of individuals and organisations labelled as enemies. The list comprises over a hundred people, primarily Russian opposition figures or public personalities who have criticised Vladimir Putin's regime or the "special military operation."
What are "Russophobes"?
"Russophobes" is described by Prof Roman Backer from the Faculty of Security and Political Sciences at Nicolaus Copernicus University, as "a tool of state terrorism wielded by Russia." This project's objective is not only propaganda but also to intimidate political adversaries and tighten control over society.
- The aim of terrorists, whether individual or state-sponsored, is to engender such profound fear that it culminates in submission - stresses Prof Backer in an interview with PAP.
The need for such a list was suggested in September last year by former Prime Minister and President, now Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev.
Backer noted that "it's unlikely those from Medvedev’s circle are the creators of this site, given he no longer maintains a faction, but rather figures from the so-called patriot circles like Alexander Dugin or sections of the Federal Security Service aiming to heighten repression against political rivals."
