Newly expanded legislation allows anyone to be designated for assisting foreign organizations which are viewed as threats to national security

Russia's Justice Ministry has said even extraterrestrials could be designated as 'foreign agents' if they acted against the country. The law, modeled after similar US legislation, applies the label to a person or entity engaged in financial or political activities in the interests of a foreign state.

Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko made the remarks on Monday at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, while commenting on amendments to the law that broaden the criteria for the 'foreign agent' designation.

"Even if a spaceman landed from another planet and started carrying out actions against our country - he would be declared a foreign agent," Sviridenko said.

The decision to expand the law, originally adopted in 2012 and amended multiple times since, was driven by what Moscow views as increasing pressure from the West, the minister added.

The latest amendments were signed into law by President Vladimir Putin and came into force on May 2. Authorities can now assign the 'foreign agent' label to anyone assisting foreign organizations deemed hostile to Russia's interests, as well as for the involvement in or financing of such activity. The law also covers those who recruit others to collect military or technical information that, if acquired by foreign sources, "could be used against Russia's security."

Criminal liability has also been introduced for making profit-driven calls for sanctions and for discrediting the Russian military. Calls for sanctions are punishable by up to five years in prison, while the other offenses carry sentences of up to seven years. The crimes may also result in the confiscation of property.

Those designated as foreign agents are not banned from operating in Russia but are subject to a range of restrictions.

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Individuals and entities listed as foreign agents must label all their content accordingly, regularly submit detailed financial reports to the Justice Ministry, and disclose their funding sources. In 2022, foreign agents were banned from holding public office, engaging in educational activities, and receiving state funds. Last year, advertising on platforms belonging to foreign agents was outlawed, while those deemed foreign agents were also prohibited from taking part in elections at any level.