14:44, 8 August 2024Source: 

Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows any organizations in which foreign government bodies act as founders or participants to be recognized as “undesirable” in Russia. The document was published on the official legal information portal.

Even at the stage of introducing the law to the State Duma, Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin explained that earlier in Russia the activities of foreign non-governmental organizations could be recognized as “undesirable.” He called for eliminating the “legal gap,” and also claimed that organizations created by government agencies of the USA, Great Britain, and European countries “are conducting activities directed against Russia.”

Lawyer Anastasia Burakova noted that the Russian authorities could also apply the new law against international structures, including the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, this court issued arrest warrants for Putin and other Russian officials.

Russian legislation provides for liability for cooperation with “undesirable organizations.” Under Article 284.1 of the Criminal Code, the maximum term for participation in the activities of such an organization is up to four years’ imprisonment, and for organizing its activities – up to six years.

(C)MEDUZA 2024