Anton Zverev and Tom Balmforth

MOSCOW, (Reuters) –Russian political satirist Viktor Shenderovich stated Tuesday that he left Russia in fear of a criminal prosecution for slander. He was being designated as a “foreign agents” by authorities.

He did not give any details and could not be reached immediately. In the last year, a number of Russians fled including opposition politicians Alexei Navalny’s supporters and journalists.

Shenderovich stated on Facebook that “my” departure was exactly what the Kremlin hinted I did over the past 20 years, of demonstrative and endless criminality directed against me.” (NASDAQ:

According to the Kremlin, it appeared that Shenderovich tried to conceal his comments from court-challenged opponents. His departure did not have anything to do with being labeled a “foreign Agent”.

In a growing crackdown against opposition figures, Shenderovich was subject to the Justice Ministry’s last month imposed tag.

This label is associated with the Soviet-era and must be prominently displayed by its bearers on any content they produce. The bureaucratic and financial demands they face are difficult.

According to authorities, the two designations for undesirable organisations and one for malign foreign influences are necessary in order to protect the country.

Shenderovich has also been known as a journalist. He was at war with the authorities over many years.

He used to host the satirical television show “Puppets”, which mocked the politicians, including President Vladimir Putin. Putin had only just been elected president at the beginning of this century. In 2002, the show was removed from television.

Shenderovich’s sharp criticisms of Russian politics were eventually heard only on select outlets, such as Moscow’s Ekho Moskvy (liberal radio station) or the TV Rain online news station.

At his announcement of departure, he stated that he was subject to surveillance, slanders, invasions his privacy, and death threats throughout the years.

Yevgeny Prgozhin sued Shenderovich last year. A businessman was charged by the United States with election meddling as well as spreading negative influence throughout the world. Something he denied. Shenderovich was required to fork out 100,000 rubles ($1,330) in damages due to comments made about Ekho Moskvy.

Konkord’s company Prigozhin stated on Dec. 30 that they were pursuing criminal proceedings and Shenderovich could be facing up to five year imprisonment.

($1 = 74.8460 roubles)