Russian diplomats instructed to crack down on artists critical of Putin, Bloomberg

Two unnamed sources have informed the news agency that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an order to its diplomats in several countries to target Russian artists and celebrities who support Ukraine and criticize Putin. Bloomberg clarifies that this directive applies to diplomats working in so-called "friendly" countries for Russia.

The report notes that this week, members of the Russian rock band Bi-2 were detained in Thailand. Allegedly, the reason was a violation of immigration rules during two concerts on the resort island of Phuket.

Moscow wanted Russian citizens among the group of seven to be deported to Russia. There, they could face arrest and criminal prosecution. Five members of the group had Russian passports, but since four members also had Israeli citizenship, and one had Australian citizenship, the Thai authorities decided to send them all to Israel after the intervention of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to one version, the Russian Consul General in Phuket, Vladimir Sosnov, personally demanded the deportation of the musicians to Russia.

Persecution of war opponents in Russia

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has actively persecuted its citizens who speak out against the war and do not support the policies of dictator Vladimir Putin. These citizens are labeled as "foreign agents," which entails a series of restrictions.

Recently, the State Duma of Russia considered a bill to freeze the financial assets of individuals recognized as "foreign agents."