Sergei Stepanov
Sergei Stepanov, born 1973, Tambov Oblast. Charges: Article 330.1 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Violation of the procedure for activities of a foreign agent, committed by a person after being…); “Sergei Stepanov's case of failing to fulfill his duties as a “foreign agent””. Sentence (December 2, 2025): sentence unknown. Status: not in Russia.
In brief
Tambov Oblast · Tambov · Journalists · Cases against "foreign agents"
Sentence
sentence unknown
Upheld January 27, 2026
Charges
- Article 330.1 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Violation of the procedure for activities of a foreign agent, committed by a person after being persecuted for an administrative offence
Full wording of the charges
In May and August of 2024, Stepanova was fined under the article of absence of a foreign agent label (Part 4, Article 19.34 of the Code of Administrative Offenses).
Latest event
January 27, 2026 — appeal
The court upheld the verdict.
Timeline
· Appeal ruling
upheld
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· Persecution begins
Sergei Stepanov's case of failing to fulfill his duties as a “foreign agent”
· Added to the register of “foreign agents”
Criminal case
Sergei Stepanov's case of failing to fulfill his duties as a “foreign agent”
Details and sources
Full summary
Tambov resident, journalist, "Memorial" activist. He has left Russia. In February 2024, he was included in the register of "foreign agents". In January 2025, he was arrested in absentia for a case of evasion of his duties as a "foreign agent". On December 2nd, 2025, Stepanov was sentenced in absentia; the details are unknown.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 330.1 part 2, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.