Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows for recognition of all foreign organizations as “undesirable”. So far, the law has only operated in the case of “non-governmental organizations.”
Duma deputies had previously insisted on changing the law and introducing a provision that an “undesirable” organization may be one whose founder or participant is government bodies of other countries.
Russia. Changes in the law
Vyacheslav Volodinthe chairman of the State Duma, has repeatedly repeated that the law should be changed, so that other countries cannot interfere in any way in the interests of Russia.
– This legal loophole in the legislation must be eliminated to exclude the possibility of interference in the internal affairs of our country. Organizations created by US government agencies, Great Britain and other European countries are leading actions directed against Russia It is a matter of security and protection of the interests of our citizens, said the State Duma chairman.
Changes were also introduced to the penal and administrative codes. The word “non-governmental” was excluded from use and only “organizations” were retained, which allows for a voluntary interpretation of the law.
Participation in such an organization may result in a fine of up to 500,000 rubles (approx. PLN 22,000). For more serious offenses, four years in prison are provided. For organizing or leading such activities faces six years in prison.
Register “undesirable” organizations has existed in Russia since 2015. Since then, over 160 associations, non-governmental organizations, newspapers and portals have been registered there.
The list includes, among others: The Moscow Times, The Insider, Meduza, Radio Free Europe.
Source: Nastoyashcheye Vremya