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| Russia's Putin signs law against 'undesirable' NGOs | Russia's Putin signs law against 'undesirable' NGOs |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill which allows foreign organisations to be banned from operating in the country. | The Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill which allows foreign organisations to be banned from operating in the country. |
| The law allows the authorities to prosecute foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or firms designated as "undesirable" on national security grounds. | The law allows the authorities to prosecute foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or firms designated as "undesirable" on national security grounds. |
| Individuals working for NGOs could face fines or up to six years in prison. | Individuals working for NGOs could face fines or up to six years in prison. |
| Critics say it is a Kremlin move aimed at stifling dissent. | Critics say it is a Kremlin move aimed at stifling dissent. |
| The definition of "undesirable" is open to interpretation, but the Interfax news agency said it would apply to organisations deemed to pose a threat to the "foundations of Russia's constitutional order, defensive capacity and security". | The definition of "undesirable" is open to interpretation, but the Interfax news agency said it would apply to organisations deemed to pose a threat to the "foundations of Russia's constitutional order, defensive capacity and security". |
| NGOs linked to politics in Russia already face restrictions under a 2012 law requiring them to register as "foreign agents". | NGOs linked to politics in Russia already face restrictions under a 2012 law requiring them to register as "foreign agents". |
| 'Squeeze the life' | |
| Supporters of the new bill say it is essential to prevent Russia from outside interference, amid ongoing tensions due to Russia's involvement in Ukraine. | Supporters of the new bill say it is essential to prevent Russia from outside interference, amid ongoing tensions due to Russia's involvement in Ukraine. |
| Amnesty International said the bill would "squeeze the life" from civil society, while Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned it would be locals who would be worst-hit. | Amnesty International said the bill would "squeeze the life" from civil society, while Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned it would be locals who would be worst-hit. |
| "We are often asked - is this draft law aimed against international rights groups like yours?" said Hugh Williamson, HRW's Europe and Central Asia Director. | "We are often asked - is this draft law aimed against international rights groups like yours?" said Hugh Williamson, HRW's Europe and Central Asia Director. |
| "But in fact, there is little doubt that its primary targets are Russian activists and Russian independent organisations." | "But in fact, there is little doubt that its primary targets are Russian activists and Russian independent organisations." |
| Britain's Minister for Europe, David Lidington, said it was "yet another example of the Russian authorities' harassment of NGOs and those who work with them in Russia". | |
| "NGOs make a vital contribution to society. I strongly urge the Russian authorities not to interfere in the valuable work of NGOs," he said. |