Comedian Maxim Galkin, stated that he has never participated in political activity and that his status as a foreign agent significantly impairs his rights and freedoms. This is stated in court documents examined by TASS.
„I do not agree with the order of the Ministry of Justice of Russia, I consider it illegal, violating his rights and freedoms, contrary to Russian legislation and international law. Administrative claimant Galkin, justifying his claim against the Ministry of Justice, pointed out that he has never carried out political activity and is an actor of culture and art. The inclusion of M.A. Galkin in the list of foreign agents is an interference with his right to free expression of opinion and violates the right to private life, the document says.
The court disagreed with the artist's position, noting in its decision that it had received evidence that Galkin actively participated in political activities in the interest of a foreign source of funding.
Galkin was included in the register of foreign agents in September 2022. According to the position of the Ministry of Justice, he is under foreign influence. Galkin is a Russian artist, parodist, former television presenter of Channel One. and channel "Russia-1". According to available data, he lives in Israel.
The reason for being recognized as a foreign agent is the comedian's posts on social networks, in which he condemns the policy of Russia and the operation in Ukraine, as well as videos from his concerts with speeches on political topics. Galkin himself filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department seeking to remove his foreign agent status. The first and appellate instances rejected his request. Galkin's appeal against this decision has now been sent to the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.