The new law passed by the Russian Duma is the worst against freedom so far. The term “undesirable organization” can refer to anyone, from associations to individual citizens, without any limit.
It passed almost unnoticed. Yet it is even worse than laws on foreign NGOs and the one against the gay “propaganda”, that made the front pages all over the world. The bill 662902-6 “On amending some laws of the Russian Federation” was voted in third and final reading by the Duma. There was no battle, with 440 yes and 3 no. It is worth remembering the three MPs of Just Russia, Sergei Petrov, Dmitry Gudkov and Valery Zubov.
From today (well, since it will be promulgated by President Putin) anyone, individual or association, will be declared “undesirable organization“. Resulting in ban, fine and freezing of assets. What is required to become “undesired”? Well, no one knows exactly.
Nothing certain
The greatest danger of this law is its vagueness. It will affect “foreign or international non-governmental organizations deemed to be undermining ‘state security’, ‘national defense’ or ‘constitutional order’”
Nowhere, however, is said what “threat” actually means. Its application is like a short circuit. The authorities can decide when an organization is “undesirable” by placing it on a list published on the internet. Organizations included in the list represent a threat to the state. From that moment can no longer have offices in Russia, and if they have they will be closed; they cannot distribute material, also on the web, or even participate in any public event, from conferences to demonstrations. Banks will have to refuse any transactions with them and inform the authorities if they try to open an account.
The procedure for inclusion in the list is not defined, the decision has immediate effect and there is no possibility of appeal. Nice work.
All “undesirable”
There is one thing even more disturbing, that makes this law the worst so far: who will continue to be “involved” in the activities of an “undesirable” organization will be fined up to 10,000 USD. And if caught more than twice in the same year, he could face up to six years in prison. Even individual citizens aren’t therefore safe. In addition, the law does not specify what it means to be “involved”. In theory, even distribute leaflets or post something on the Web could lead to court.
Yet, the newly adopted law has not had the same media coverage of others approved in recent years against foreign NGOs. It’s a sign that Putin’s increasing authoritarianism is now perceived as routine, and it makes no news. But behind this silence lies the greatest danger for Russian civil society, already weakened and marginalized by nationalist propaganda and the repression. Many active members of society begin to be afraid of their government. But these laws are also a sign that Russian government is afraid of its own citizens.
@daniloeliatweet
The new law passed by the Russian Duma is the worst against freedom so far. The term “undesirable organization” can refer to anyone, from associations to individual citizens, without any limit.
