In the Russian Federation, the “Russia-EU Civil Assistance Forum” was declared undesirable

The Prosecutor General’s Office has recognized as undesirable in Russia the activities of the organization “Forum of the Civil Society Russia – EU”, which is registered in Germany.

As noted in the message of the Russian Prosecutor’s Office published on Tuesday, the organization is a network structure that unites about 180 Russian and European non-governmental organizations. Among other things, it is said that the Forum is engaged in establishing contacts with Russian “political emigrants” in order to use them to the detriment of Russia’s interests.

The department’s statement also notes that the structure “collaborates with persons recognized as foreign agents in Russia, as well as with organizations whose activities were previously recognized as undesirable.”

• The Law on Undesirable Organizations, according to which they are prohibited from operating on the territory of Russia, has been in force in the country since 2015. Any non-governmental organization that, in the opinion of the Prosecutor General or his deputy, represents a “threat to the security of the state and the foundations of the constitutional order” may be considered undesirable. The authorities have already included dozens of foreign NGOs and NGOs among such organizations.
• Russian and foreign human rights activists have repeatedly criticized the law. Recognizing the organization as undesirable means, among other things, that citizens of Russia participating in its activities face criminal prosecution.