Political repression

Political repression is the act of a state entity controlling a citizenry by force for political reasons, particularly for the purpose of restricting or preventing the citizenry's ability to take part in the political life of a society, thereby reducing their standing among their fellow citizens. Repression tactics target the citizenry who are most likely to challenge the political ideology of the state in order for the government to remain in control.

• …some in the Duma want to confiscate the property of [those deemed "foreign agents" by the Russian Federation], effectively reducing them to a status no different from the enemies of the people in Soviet [Union] times.
  • Paul A. Goble, "Putin Regime has Transformed ‘Foreign Agents’ into Full-Blown ‘Enemies of the People, Record Shows", Window on Eurasia (April 17, 2025)

• “Once a group is banned as extremist in Russia, the impact is far-reaching,” [rights organization] Department One says. “Its activities are outlawed entirely; [and] any involvement in or facilitation of its work becomes a criminal offense, as does organizing or participating in public events on its behalf.” Moreover, “anyone linked to an extremist group is barred from running for office at any level.”
  • Paul A. Goble, "Banning Groups that don’t Exist Extremely Useful Tactic for Moscow, ‘Department One’ Says", Window on Eurasia (July 26, 2025)

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