Moscow (Agencies): The Russian government has officially banned Amnesty International, labeling the global human rights organization as an “undesirable entity” and accusing it of engaging in anti-Russian activities. The decision, announced by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office on Monday, effectively criminalizes any involvement with the organization within Russia.
According to the statement, Amnesty International’s London headquarters serves as a training center for global Russophobic projects, allegedly funded by supporters of Kyiv. Russian authorities further accused the organization of supporting extremist groups and financing foreign agents, claiming that it operates under the guise of human rights advocacy while actively working against Russia’s interests.
The ban means that Amnesty International must cease all operations in Russia, and any individuals or organizations cooperating with it could face prosecution. This move is part of a broader crackdown on civil society groups that Moscow perceives as hostile, particularly those critical of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Amnesty International, founded in 1961 and headquartered in London, has long been a vocal critic of human rights violations worldwide. The organization has documented alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine and called for accountability, which has drawn sharp criticism from the Kremlin. Russian officials claim that Amnesty International justifies the actions of Ukrainian neo-Nazis and advocates for increased Western funding to Ukraine.
The ban follows a series of similar actions against foreign NGOs, media outlets, and advocacy groups. Moscow has previously outlawed organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Greenpeace, citing national security concerns. Since 2015, Russia has designated dozens of foreign charities and think tanks as “undesirable,” effectively shutting down their operations in the country.
Amnesty International has yet to issue an official response to the ban. However, human rights advocates warn that this move further isolates Russia from international scrutiny and limits the ability of independent organizations to monitor and report on human rights conditions within the country.