Russian authorities have outlawed Amnesty International, meaning involvement with the human rights group is now a criminal offence.
The decision by the prosecutor general’s office is the latest crackdown on Kremlin critics, journalists and activists that intensified after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
In its statement, the office labelled Amnesty International as an “undesirable organisation” and accused it of being a “centre for the preparation of global Russophobic projects”
The designation means the group must stop any work in Russia, and anyone who cooperates or supports it could face prosecution. That includes if anyone shares Amnesty’s reports on social media.
The office also accused Amnesty of intensifying the military confrontation between Russia and Ukraine.
“They justify the crimes of Ukrainian neo-Nazis, call for an increase in their funding, and insist on the political and economic isolation of our country,” the statement added.
Russian officials regularly accuse Ukraine of being dominated by “neo-Nazis”, an accusation widely seen in the West as baseless propaganda.
Amnesty did not immediately reply to a request by Sky News for comment, but Human Rights Watch – another international civil rights group – said the effective ban “simply highlights Russia’s ambition to hide the truth about human rights violations” in Russia and Ukraine.
Rachel Denber, deputy director of the Europe and Central Asia division, told Sky News: “This designation is nothing more than an attempt by authorities to intimidate and deter Russian citizens from supporting or cooperating with this prominent, deeply respected organisation.”
Founded in 1961 and headquartered in London, Amnesty International campaigns for human rights across the world, including on behalf of those it designates prisoners of conscience.
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