By Petra Njeri
The Russian government has designated Amnesty International as an “undesirable organization” criminalizing its operations or any associations with the organization in the country.
The ban, enforced under Russia’s repressive 2015 “undesirable organizations” law, allows the state to prohibit any foreign and international groups deemed a threat to the foundation of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation, the defense capability of the country or the security of the state.
The decision by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, cites the group’s alleged involvement in activities that pose a threat to the country’s national security.
According to Russian authorities, Amnesty International supported Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, promoted international sanctions against it and defended individuals characterized by Russia as Ukrainian neo-Nazis.
It also accused Amnesty International of promoting “Russophobic projects” and campaigning for Russia’s international isolation.
The designation comes three years after the Russian authorities blocked access to Amnesty International’s websites in the country and closed down its office in Moscow.
Under Russian legislation, participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization” is punishable by law through a 15,000 rubles fine or a 6 rear imprisonment.
The law applies to the distribution or reposting of any materials from the designated organization.
The ban puts at risk of prosecution partner organizations, individual supporters, journalists and other persons who now work with, or are seen by the Russian authorities as supporting or promoting, the organization in the country.
In response to the designation, the organization’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, condemned the decision and vowed to continue documenting abuses globally.
“The authorities are deeply mistaken if they believe that by labelling our organization “undesirable” we will stop our work documenting and exposing human rights violations – quite the opposite,” Agnès Callamard stated.
The organization cautioned its followers in Russia to refrain from sharing its materials online or offline.
“This means that any participation in our activities, including donations and reposts, is punishable in the Russian Federation. If you are reading us from Russia, or are planning to travel there, refrain from sharing our online and offline materials”, the organization stated.
The move adds Amnesty International to a growing list of organizations and media outlets that have been banned under the law.