Russia tightens legislation on 'foreign agents'

Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, on Wednesday passed a new law that will make it easier for authorities to label domestic critics “foreign agents,” a key tool to clamp down on dissent.

The State Duma said in a statement that the measures will make it possible “to defend the interests and to ensure the security of the Russian Federation.” The legislation is expected to enter into force on December 1.

Since 2012, Russia has used the “foreign agent” tag, which is reminiscent…