LONDON: Russia has designated the New York-based Human Rights Foundation (HRF), chaired by Yulia Navalnaya, as an “undesirable organisation”, effectively banning its activities in the country and exposing anyone who cooperates with the group to potential criminal prosecution.
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office said the organisation posed a threat to the state, accusing it of discrediting the Russian armed forces, supporting sanctions against Russia and promoting the activities of organisations already banned under Russian law.
Organisation banned under Russian law
Under Russia’s “undesirable organisations” legislation, individuals and entities that cooperate with or distribute material from designated organisations can face legal penalties, including criminal prosecution.
The prosecutor’s office also cited HRF’s “Tyranny Tracker” project, which classifies Russia as a “fully authoritarian regime”, as part of the justification for the designation.
Foundation rejects accusations
The Human Rights Foundation criticised the move, saying the decision reinforced its assessment of the Russian political system. The organisation said criminalising cooperation with the foundation demonstrated increasing restrictions on civil society and freedom of expression.
Russia has designated hundreds of foreign organisations as “undesirable” since the law was introduced in 2015, including international human rights groups, media organisations and academic institutions.