A total of 738 tons of illegally imported food has been destroyed since the introduction of a decree in August ordering the disposal of banned Western imports, Russia's agricultural watchdog said Monday.
In an online statement, Rosselkhoznadzor said 676 tons of contraband agricultural produce had been confiscated and destroyed. Another 318 tons of products of animal origin were also confiscated, 62 tons of which were destroyed, the statement said.
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in July ordering the confiscation and destruction of foods that have been banned for import in retaliation against Western sanctions against Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis.
The new law — which went into effect on Aug. 6 — caused outrage after television footage showed piles of food being bulldozed in a country with rising poverty and a history of food shortages.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
