The undesirables

In May 2015, both houses of the Russian parliament approved legislation regarding 'undesirable organisations'. According to the new norm, a prosecutor can deem any foreign or international organisation 'undesirable' if it is considered 'a threat to Russia’s constitutional order, defence, and security'.

The undesirable organisations legislation was seen as another step toward zero tolerance of autonomous civic activism and eradication of unwanted Western influence.

In a Statement issued on the 24 May 2015 the EU said 'The new law on 'undesirable' non–governmental organisations enacted by the Russian president on ... 23 May is a worrying step in a series of restrictions on civil society, independent media and political opposition'.

• Primary Source

Deutsche Welle 25.05.15: Russia's 'undesirables' law draws EU, US ire http://dw.de/p/1FW7O

EU: EEAS: Press Release, 24.05.15: Statement by the Spokesperson on a new Russian law on 'undesirable' non-governmental organisations http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/150524_02_en.htm

Politico, 07.07.15: Russia to bar Soros, other foreign NGOs http://www.politico.eu/article/russia-to-bar-soros-other-foreign-ngos/

---