“Freedom of Information Society”

Since 2015, this status can be assigned to foreign and international non-governmental organizations that, in the opinion of the Russian government, pose a threat to the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation, the defense capability of the country, or state security. Since 2021, this registry also includes those who cooperate with “undesirable organizations.” Who recognizes: Prosecutor General’s Office in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cooperating organizations are entered into the register by the Prosecutor General’s Office independently. Restrictions: Recognition of an organization as “undesirable” entails a complete ban on its activities in Russia. Russian citizens and Russian legal entities are not allowed to cooperate with it either on or off the territory of Russia. A website that distributes information materials of an “undesirable organization” may be blocked. Formally, there is no administrative or criminal responsibility for this, but law enforcement authorities may interpret it as participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization.” Administrative liability: Participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization,” a fine of up to 100 thousand rubles (Art. 20.33 of the Code of Administrative Offences). Criminal liability: Participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization,” if the person has previously been held administratively liable, a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles or imprisonment for up to four years with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities. The organization of such activities faces imprisonment for up to six years. (Article 284.1 of the Criminal Code) Providing funds or raising funds for an “undesirable organization” can carry a prison sentence of up to five years.